Umar Farouk, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, has refuted recent claims suggesting a potential alliance between the party's Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and political figures Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Farouk unequivocally stated that the party has no intentions of merging with any other political entity.
Reports had surfaced indicating that Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the New Nigeria People’s Party were engaged in discussions aimed at establishing a potent coalition to challenge the current ruling party's dominance.
Farouk swiftly dismissed these claims, emphasising the lack of validity in the reports. He underscored that while Peter Obi possesses the right to form associations as a candidate, the Labour Party remains resolute in its decision not to pursue a merger with any other political group.
"Inaccurate," Farouk asserted, addressing the rumours. "It seems to be a product of creative imagination. The party has not received any such proposition. If any actions are underway, they might be on the part of Peter Obi as an individual candidate, within his rights to engage with whomever he chooses. However, as a collective party, merging with another political entity is not under consideration, and the Labour Party stands firm in its commitment against any merger."
Echoing Farouk's stance, Tai Obasi, media aide to Peter Obi, also weighed in on the matter during an interview. Obasi categorically denied any discussions regarding a potential merger involving his principal. He underscored that, at present, the primary focus is on awaiting the tribunal's judgment, making the merger idea premature.
"Such reports hold no factual basis," Obasi stated. "Why would merger talks even arise without the tribunal's decision? Are they contemplating merging as opposition factions? It seems unlikely. My principal, Peter Obi, has not indicated such discussions to me. While we respect Atiku and Kwankwaso, there has been no mention of merger talks on our part."
Obasi concluded by emphasising that there is no substantive foundation to the claims of a merger involving Peter Obi and other political figures. As the situation currently stands, the notion of a merger remains unsubstantiated and unsupported.
