Yunusa Tanko, Chief Spokesperson of Obi-Datti and Director of Media for the Labour Party (LP), stated that Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, is open to a merger only if it aligns with his vision for improving Nigeria. Tanko clarified this during Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s *Politics Today* amid speculations of potential political alliances.
Reports have suggested that Obi might join forces with other political figures to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following his loss in the 2023 presidential election where Bola Tinubu was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tanko emphasized that Obi’s interest lies in forming a coalition based on shared values and goals rather than merely seeking political power.
“His Excellency, Peter Gregory is not interested in a merger that is only for the interest of seeking power. He is interested in a merger that will bring Nigerians out of the poverty level, bringing the Nigerian people to a comfortable state of health care,” Tanko said.
He outlined Obi’s priorities, including improving healthcare, providing potable water, and solving power supply issues, stressing that any potential merger must be driven by ideology and a comprehensive program for Nigeria’s development.
Tanko also mentioned that Obi’s willingness to consider a merger would depend on thorough scrutiny to ensure value alignment.
In recent weeks, Obi has met with several political leaders, including former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Their meeting sparked rumors of a potential alliance, although former House of Representatives member Tajudeen Yusuf expressed skepticism about such a merger.
Yusuf pointed out that Atiku, who has previously partnered with Obi in the 2019 election, recently reiterated his intent to continue contesting presidential elections as long as he is healthy, suggesting a potential clash of ambitions if both men run in 2027.
“They met a few days ago and after the meeting, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came out to say he will continue to contest as long as he’s alive and healthy,” Yusuf noted. “To me, that was to send a signal to those, especially the media, who were running with the notion that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar might step down and shelve his political ambition for Peter. But the follow-up statement a week later clarified that.”
