Peter Obi debunks SDP defection rumours, sets political atmosphere on fire

DDM News

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied reports suggesting he is planning to leave the party.

Peter Obi is a prominent Nigerian businessman and politician, known for his significant contributions to both the political and economic landscapes of Nigeria.

He has served as the Governor of Anambra State and has been recognized for implementing reforms that improved the region’s infrastructure and education systems.

Throughout his career, he has been an advocate for transparency and accountability in governance, consistently emphasizing the importance of effective leadership and good governance in driving sustainable development.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the rumour linked him to a possible defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi’s response was communicated through Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, during a recent television interview.

Tanko appeared on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief to address the growing speculations surrounding Obi’s political future.

He confirmed that Obi remains a loyal member of the Labour Party despite circulating media reports suggesting otherwise.

“As far as I am concerned, His Excellency Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party,” Tanko said.

He added that Obi’s position in the party remains unchanged unless new developments emerge officially from his camp.

Tanko emphasized that Obi has not expressed any intention to join another political platform at this time.

The statement followed media speculation triggered by comments from political leaders and members of opposition parties.

One notable comment came from Adewole Adebayo, SDP’s presidential candidate during the 2023 general election.

Adebayo claimed that Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar had initiated talks about joining the Social Democratic Party.

He alleged that both opposition figures were considering a political merger to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adding fuel to the rumour, SDP National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, said Obi’s associates were lobbying the party leadership.

Agunloye maintained that discussions were ongoing concerning political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said members of Obi’s team were actively engaging the SDP in talks about a potential alliance.

Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), also confirmed that such negotiations were underway.

Ahmeh disclosed that talks were taking place involving several opposition figures, including Peter Obi.

He revealed that a single-term agreement proposal by a southern presidential candidate was part of the ongoing discussions.

“The signing of a single-term agreement by a southerner is part of what is on the table,” Ahmeh said.

He added that this idea has not been finalized but involves several prominent political actors from southern Nigeria.

“I believe the decision will be reached in the next few weeks,” Ahmeh added during a press briefing.

He mentioned that Obi and other southern aspirants are involved in the consultations regarding the proposed alliance.

In response, Tanko assured the public that the Labour Party leadership is preparing for an emergency meeting.

He noted that party leaders would meet during the week to clarify their official stance on the matter.

The meeting will also address the concerns raised by a recent Supreme Court ruling affecting party leadership.

Julius Abure’s position as LP national chairman was nullified by the Supreme Court, causing internal disruptions.

Tanko said the upcoming meeting would align party decisions with the court’s ruling and offer clear guidance to members.

He believes this development will help settle speculations and restore unity within the Labour Party.

Political speculation escalated following the unveiling of a major opposition coalition on March 20, 2025.

The coalition featured Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as leading figures.

It followed El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the SDP on March 10, 2025.

The alliance is seen as a strategic step to build a credible opposition against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Peter Obi has yet to make a personal statement directly addressing the defection rumours.

However, his team maintains that he remains fully committed to the Labour Party for now.

The Obidient Movement, made up of Obi’s supporters, continues to stand behind him as a reform-driven candidate.

Obi gained national prominence in the 2023 elections, running on a platform of integrity, accountability, and competence.

His campaign, powered largely by youth and social media, resonated with first-time voters and urban professionals.

Although he came third in the official results, his political stature has continued to grow post-election.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), originally prominent in the 1990s, is experiencing a political revival in recent months.

The party produced Moshood Abiola, whose annulled 1993 election remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Though it faded over the years, recent defections have revived its national relevance and organizational strength.

El-Rufai’s move to the SDP added momentum to coalition discussions and increased public interest in the party.

This has intensified calls for opposition unity, especially as dissatisfaction with the APC government grows.

Amid these shifting alliances, political analysts say Obi remains a pivotal figure in any potential coalition arrangement.

His appeal across ethnic, religious, and regional lines makes him a key candidate for opposition success in 2027.

However, internal crises within the Labour Party, especially the leadership dispute, could impact his decision-making.

The Supreme Court’s nullification of Julius Abure’s chairmanship has triggered questions about LP’s stability and direction.

Many observers believe that resolving these internal issues is essential to retaining Peter Obi’s loyalty.

The coming months will be crucial as political realignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 polls.

For now, Peter Obi remains in the Labour Party, while the nation watches for his next political move.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook