From Sola Ojo, Abuja

In a video message circulating on Labour Party WhatsApp platforms, Obi addressed a group of young supporters, firmly stating his continued loyalty to the Labour Party amid growing speculations of his involvement in an opposition alliance.

“I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” Obi affirmed when asked directly about his political platform for 2027.

His comments come in the wake of reports suggesting the formation of a grand opposition coalition that could involve prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The alliance is rumoured to be considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its common platform.

Speaking candidly, Obi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately engineering internal crises in the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.

“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere. These crises are not organic; they are manufactured by those in power,” Obi said.

He recalled how under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, internal party issues were addressed with a sense of fairness, contrasting it with the current atmosphere of interference and destabilization.

“But today, in all the parties, there are problems. These are deliberate problems caused by the system—caused by the APC.

“These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity. Parties must function effectively.

“You can’t have a democracy without strong opposition,” Obi added.

Obi also called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to rise up and defend democracy by participating actively in the electoral process and demanding transparency.

He reiterated his call for structural political reforms, including introducing age limits for elective positions. Obi, who will be 65 by the time of the next general election, hinted that 2027 may be his final political contest, saying he does not wish to remain in active politics into his 70s.

“I believe in giving room for new leadership. After 2027, I want to step back and contribute in other ways,” he added.