Peter Obi: Labour Party Crises Are Insignificant Compared To Nigeria’s Problems

Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s February 2023 general election, has admitted that the country’s problems outweigh his party’s current crises.

Speaking during an interactive online session with Nigerians on HaveYourSay247, Mr Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, expressed confidence that internal Labour Party issues will be resolved amicably, emphasising that they pale in comparison to the challenges confronting the country. He urged Nigerians to prioritise pressing issues in their lives, such as access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Addressing concerns about his leadership role within the party, Mr Obi stated that his primary goal is to ensure that things are done correctly, rather than to be the party’s leader. He claimed that while political party functionality is critical for effective governance, it has little direct impact on Nigerians’ daily lives.

Despite his disagreement with the Supreme Court’s final decision on the presidential election, Mr Obi stated that he has moved on and is committed to the well-being of ordinary Nigerians. He also emphasised the importance of transparency in campaign finance, stating that accountability must be maintained at all levels. Mr Obi emphasised efforts to appoint an external auditor to examine the party’s accounts, promising to make the findings public.

“Whatever is happening in the Labour Party pales in comparison to what is going on in the country. So, for me, it is something we will work out amicably, and there is nothing to worry about. Let us worry about the country and how the average Nigerian will be able to provide for themselves,” he said.

Mr Obi clarified that he is not required to disclose his assets because he no longer holds a position of power. However, he assured Nigerians that he was not poor and categorically denied any allegations of embezzling government funds.

“We are in a more desperate situation to keep the party running properly. Parties are simply a means of contesting elections, and being a party leader does not lower food prices. I want to see the average Nigerian living in a society where they have access to education, healthcare, and a source of income.

“The party account is not under my control,” he stated. “We have appointed an external auditor to investigate, and as soon as their findings are available, we will make them public. Monies were received by various groups, and I stated that those who received money must account for them. You have seen one of Aisha Yesufu’s publicly available campaign accounts.

“We have asked everyone at all levels who collected campaign funds to account for them. “It is necessary,” he stated.

Mr. Obi ended by thanking those who donated during the campaign and assuring them that he would personally acknowledge their contributions.

“If I received their donation, I will notify them; if I did not, I will notify them so they can find out who they gave it to and ask questions.”

When asked if he would be willing to tell Nigerians about his assets, the former governor replied that he could not because he was not in office. “I don’t need to reveal my assets, but I can assure Nigerians that I am not a poor man, and no one can accuse me of stealing government funds,” he stated.

He also encouraged campaign fund recipients to be transparent and accountable for the resources entrusted to them.

He also stated that he has moved on after the Supreme Court’s final decision on the presidential election, even though he disagrees with it.

On the need for the Labour Party to make campaign fund accounts available to the public, Obi stated that he could only encourage everyone who received funds to account for them.
The presidential candidate went on to say that he would go around to places where he believes people have donated to say thank you.