The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has expressed disapproval of the recent defections of political figures, delivering a veiled critique of the current administration.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi stated that Nigeria is not under military rule.
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His comments were made in reaction to the recent switch of allegiance by the Governors of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, and Ben Murray-Bruce to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are not in a military time when you capture people,” Obi said.
Addressing the defection of Mbah, whom he described as his good friend, the former Anambra State Governor stated: “I believe that as governor, he must have taken his decision based on his own political views and calculations.”
Obi also dismissed suggestions of a political plot to capture the South-East region.
The 64-year-old stressed that leadership in a democratic setting relies on persuasion, not coercion.
“As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military time when you capture people,” he reiterated.
“You are a leader. You tend to do the right things for them to follow you. So I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere,” Obi stated.
He further urged public officials to focus on good governance and implementing policies that directly uplift the lives of the citizenry.
Obi warned that political realignments are secondary to performance, emphasising that loyalty from the people cannot be guaranteed without tangible results.
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“The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it,” he added.
