Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has stated that the recent defections of some South Eastern state governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not guarantee the party’s success in capturing the region in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja earlier today, Obi was asked to respond to the defections of several lawmakers and governors from the South East to the APC.
Obi emphasized that Nigeria is a democracy—not under military rule—where states can be “captured.”
He explained that ultimately, it is the people who decide which party to support, not governors or senators. No party can win a state simply because it has a governor in office.
Referring specifically to the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and the APC’s alleged plan to “capture” the South East for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Obi said:
“Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. I believe as governor, he must have made his decision based on his own political views and calculations.
As for the alleged plot to capture the South East, we are not in military times when you capture people. Leaders should do the right things for people to willingly follow them. So, I don’t think anyone is capturing anywhere.
The government needs to do more if it wants the people’s support.”
On the planned protest organized by political activist Omoyele Sowore on October 20 for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, Obi said:
“I have always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place. I’ve always said I would consult, negotiate, and engage with anyone who is agitating. I’ve stated this clearly and I stand by it.
I appreciate those who are now advocating what we have been saying for a long time. You can check my statements from 2020, 2022, and even 2024. Now that the matter is in court, the rules must be followed—not only for Nnamdi Kanu but for all agitators across the nation. Dialogue should be the way forward.
There is nothing wrong with anyone agitating or calling for dialogue. Whatever actions we take must follow the law. So, I thank the organizers and those involved.”
