Peter Obi says defections cannot “capture” any region, insisting only good governance not party switching determines political loyalty.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed concerns that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system following recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Speaking in Abuja, Obi reacted to the exit of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting defections do not equate to political control.
“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,” he said. Obi described the notion of “capturing” regions as a relic of military politics, stressing that democracy relies on persuasion, not force.
“As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East… I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere,” he added.
Obi urged leaders to focus on governance and policies that improve citizens’ lives, warning that loyalty cannot be secured through party realignment alone.