Former Anambra Governor and Labour Party presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has slammed attempts to claim political dominance in the South-East through defections, describing the practice as undemocratic and futile.

“No party will win any state just because it has a governor,” Obi told reporters in Abuja. “This is a democracy, not military rule. The people decide where they go, not governors or senators.”

Speaking on Governor Peter Mbah’s defection to the APC, Obi said, “Peter Mbah is a good friend, and he acted based on his own calculations. But nobody is ‘capturing’ the South-East. Leadership is about doing the right thing for people to follow you, not coercion.”

On the planned protest by Omoyele Sowore for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, Obi stressed:
“There was no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place. Agitators must be engaged through dialogue, negotiation and consultation. Let’s follow the law, not arbitrary actions.”

Obi also warned that the new INEC Chairman must ensure free, fair and credible elections:

“None of us lasts forever. Whoever holds the post must protect their reputation and do what’s right for Nigerians.”

The former governor capped his day by highlighting Nigeria’s failing education system, visiting LEA Nursery/Primary School, Kapwa, to pledge urgent reforms.