Peter Obi says he is open to merging the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election. 

Mr Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 poll, said this during an interview with NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV broadcast Saturday on YouTube, weeks after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar hosted Mr Obi.

“If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it,” the former Anambra governor said. “If it’s just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it or part of it. I don’t want to be part of anything like that.”

Mr Obi reiterated that he was not desperate to become the president, nor was he seeking to be president for personal ambition, but rather for the well-being of Nigerians.

“I’m not desperate to be president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor people, because we have a lot of potential,” added the former PDP presidential running mate.

Reacting to Mr Atiku’s statement of support if the consensus is to produce a South-East president, Mr Obi said, “I commend him, and I’m grateful for his statements, especially where he said he will support me if it (the presidential ticket) goes to the South-East.”