THE presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi has discountenanced reports quoting him as saying he was open to being Nigeria’s vice president in the future, insisting that the content of the innocuous interview he granted was being deliberately distorted.
The former Anambra State governor was quoted in the report that has since gone viral as explaining that his main goal is to help Nigeria move forward. In the said interview on News Central TV, the symbol of the Obidient Movement was further quoted as expressing his belief that for the next general election in 2027, the country needs strong leadership to bring positive change.
“When asked if he would accept the role of Vice President, Obi said: ‘Quite frankly, for me, I’m not desperate to be Nigeria’s president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work. If I see people who can do the work better, I will (consider being vice president).
“I even have people who say I should not come out in 2027 and I said to them, offer yourself. And we will not put everybody on a scale.”
However, in a rebuttal made available to Eighteen-Eleven Media on Saturday by his erstwhile spokesman, Dr Tanko Yunusa, Mr Obi said he had been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview he granted to News Central TV.
According to him, in the interview, he took the opportunity it provided to explain his position in detail. “However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.
“Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record.
“I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.
“When I was asked about collaboration, I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture. I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.
“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions.
“As I have always maintained, I am not desperate to become president, but I am determined to see Nigeria work.
“Likewise, I am not desperate for any position at all as I believe I can make contributions as I am already doing without occupying any. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election. I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.
“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words.
“For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.
“I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria.
“My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing. -PO”
Eighteen-Eleven Media