Obi rejects ‘South-East capture’, condemns defection politics

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system, saying no political party can “capture” any region simply because a governor defects to it.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Obi reacted to the recent defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“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,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor, known for promoting issue-based politics, described the idea of “capturing” a region as a relic of Nigeria’s military past.

“Leadership in a democracy is about persuasion, not coercion. We are not in a military era where people are captured,” he added.

Obi noted that while Mbah’s defection was his personal political decision, it does not automatically translate to control over the South-East.

He also urged political leaders to focus on governance and improving citizens’ welfare, warning that “no amount of political realignment can guarantee loyalty from the people without performance.”

Obi’s comments come amid rising political tension following the wave of defections by opposition governors and lawmakers to the ruling APC — a trend that critics say could pave the way for one-party dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.