Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has downplayed worries that Nigeria could turn into a one-party system, saying no political group has the power to “capture” any region just because a governor joins it.
Obi spoke in Abuja while reacting to the recent defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Anambra State governor, who is known for his advocacy of issue-based politics, said the notion that a state can be taken over by a political party through a leader’s defection is outdated and belongs to the country’s military past.
“The people will decide where to go, not governors or senators. No party will capture or win any state just because it has a governor,” Obi stated.
He added that he respects the personal choices of the governors, saying, “Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine, and I believe that as governor, he must have taken his decision based on his own political views and calculations.”
According to Okay News, Obi firmly rejected the idea that the South-East can be “captured” politically. He emphasized that democracy is based on convincing the people, not forcing them to follow.
“As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military time when you capture people. You are a leader. You tend to do the right things for them to follow you. So I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere,” he explained.
Obi also called on public office holders to focus on policies that directly improve the lives of citizens rather than depending on party alignments or political influence. He said good governance remains the only way to earn lasting public support.
“The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it,” he added.
His remarks came amid heightened political tension following several defections of opposition governors and lawmakers to the APC. Critics have expressed concern that such moves could push Nigeria toward a one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
