‘We’re not just doing politics’ – Peter Obi on visit to Makinde

By Adeola Badru

Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election and a key figure in the coalition movement within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mr. Peter Obi, has said what they (the opposition) are doing is not just politics.

He reiterated his vision of a more united, secure and productive Nigeria.

Peter Obi spoke to newsmen on Tuesday, after a closed-door meeting with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan, as opposition consultations continue to gather pace ahead of future political alignments.

Obi spent nearly two hours in a private meeting with Governor Makinde at the Oyo State Secretariat, an engagement he descibed as part of ongoing consultations focused on Nigeria’s future.

Addressing journalists, Obi explained that his visit formed part of wider discussions with key stakeholders on national issues and the need for collaboration across political lines.

He said, “We have come to consult and to continue discussions with His Excellency the Governor on issues that concern the future of our country.

“My dear brother, the governor, and I share a common belief that Nigeria must work for everyone, and that is the focus of our engagement.“

He further noted that the talks were not merely political manoeuvres but centred on building a stronger nation and fostering meaningful coalition efforts ahead of future elections.

“What we are doing is not about politics for its own sake, it is about Nigeria and how we can build a better nation for all our people.

“We are looking at a Nigeria that is united, secure and progressive, where every citizen has a fair chance to succeed based on merit and hard work, not connections,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of national development and shared purpose, Obi stressed the need to rethink priorities in order to build a country citizens can be proud of.

He said, “How do we build a better language? I’m not giving you the beat. Thank you. How we can build a better Nigeria, a Nigeria where we will all be proud to save that country.”

On inclusivity and equal opportunity, Obi highlighted his vision of a system where success is based on merit rather than personal connections.

He added, “In Nigeria, where a chance of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody.”

… on consultations

Speaking on the expected outcome of such consultations, Obi maintained that the ultimate objective remained the progress and unity of the country.

He noted, “So, with this correlation, what should I get out of here? A better Nigeria.”

Obi outlined the need for economic transformation, particularly a shift from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production and job creation.

He said, “And a more united, secure, progressive Nigeria, where we are going to move the country from consumption to production, and get our people employed.“

The meeting came barely 72 hours after a high-level opposition summit held in Ibadan, which brought together prominent political actors and stakeholders from across the country.

Obi’s visit also followed his recent engagement with former President Goodluck Jonathan, further signalling a series of high-level discussions linked to broader political realignments.

Vanguard News