Obidient Movement Denies Peter Obi’s Exit from Labour Party or VP Offer for 2027

The Obidient Movement, a grassroots support base for Peter Obi, has clarified that the former Labour Party presidential candidate remains committed to the party and has not been offered a vice-presidential slot for the 2027 elections. The statement, issued on May 18, 2025, in Anambra, aims to quell speculation about Obi’s political future amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

The movement’s spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed claims that Obi was in talks to join another party or accept a VP role, particularly under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or Atiku Abubakar’s camp. Such rumors emerged after Obi’s March 2025 meeting with Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, sparking speculation of a PDP-Labour merger. Tanko emphasized that Obi, who polled 6.1 million votes in 2023, is focused on strengthening the Labour Party’s structure, which now boasts 2 million registered members, per 2024 party records. The movement cited Obi’s consistent advocacy for a “new Nigeria” centered on grassroots mobilization, not elite negotiations.

The denial follows reports of a proposed one-term deal offering Obi a VP slot under Atiku, which the PDP reportedly considered to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Nigeria’s political scene, with 18 registered parties, remains fragmented, with 60% of voters favoring coalitions, per a 2024 NOI Polls survey. Obi’s team reiterated his rejection of personal ambition, noting his 2023 campaign focused on economic reforms, reducing Nigeria’s 40% poverty rate. The Obidient Movement, with 500,000 active volunteers, plans nationwide rallies to promote Obi’s vision, despite internal Labour Party disputes, like the 2023 Apapa faction crisis.

Analysts note that Obi’s 25% vote share in 12 states in 2023 makes him a formidable player, but coalition talks face hurdles, with 70% of PDP members opposing a merger, per a 2024 Lagos study. The movement urged supporters to ignore “mischievous” rumors, focusing on Obi’s upcoming policy summit in Abuja, targeting youth unemployment, which affects 53% of Nigerians under 30.