The Labour Party’s leadership has categorically stated that their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not entertain any notion of collaborating with President Bola Tinubu’s proposed government of national unity. This firm stance was articulated in separate interviews with the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, and the National Legal Adviser of the party, Kehinde Edun.

This declaration comes six days after the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, made pointed criticisms of President Tinubu on Arise TV’s ‘Morning Show,’ particularly in light of the controversy surrounding the president’s academic records at Chicago State University. Obi emphatically asserted that leaders who manipulate their qualifications or age cannot be entrusted to govern responsibly and are unfit to lead the nation.

Obi emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity and honesty of leaders, emphasizing that Nigeria is facing numerous issues related to certificates, age, and other falsifications among its leadership. Such conduct, he argued, undermines the ability to make sound decisions and lead with integrity.

Shortly after Obi’s scathing comments, the Labour Party cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, not to involve the LP candidate in his dispute with the president. This warning came in response to Atiku’s call for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join his campaign to expose alleged secrets about the president.

Some interpreted the LP’s response as a possible indication that Peter Obi might be more inclined to cooperate with Tinubu than to align with his former PDP ally, Atiku. However, the LP’s National Legal Adviser firmly denied such speculations, reiterating that Obi had already articulated his position.

He explained, “Obi has a clear agenda, especially given our belief that we won the election. It would be inappropriate for us to consider working with this government. As far as the LP is concerned, we are awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision that will declare Obi the winner, overturning the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal’s ruling. That’s what we are waiting for. Until this matter is resolved in the Supreme Court, we cannot entertain the idea of Obi, who rightfully holds the mandate, collaborating with someone who merely pretends to hold the office. It is not over until we conclude this case.”

In concurrence, the party’s spokesperson emphasized that their candidate would not be swayed by such notions, as he is presently focused on reclaiming what they believe is their ‘stolen mandate’ through their appeal at the Supreme Court. He firmly stated, “We are still in the process of reclaiming our stolen mandate through our appeal at the Supreme Court. There is no scenario in which our candidate can be seen working with this government. For now, his sole focus is on the appeal at the apex court.”