Segun Sowunmi, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for the now-defunct Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign, has asserted that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in 2023, is the only true contender for the 2027 election. Sowunmi emphasized that Nigeria’s future rests with Obi, who he believes is genuine and committed to addressing the country’s challenges. He made these comments during a May Day event in Abuja, as relayed by Ibrahim Umar, the representative of POMR. Sowunmi contrasted Obi’s active pursuit of solutions for Nigeria with others who seem unprepared and passive. He stated, “I belong to the PDP, but the future of Nigeria lies with Peter Obi.” He is the sole genuine candidate; all the others are insincere. “I find it troubling that we are merely exchanging leadership between the North and the South West, while disregarding the crucial region of the country, the Igbo, despite having Obi, who represents the future.” Sowunmi reinforced his argument with historical examples and recounted the events that led Obi into politics, highlighting Obi’s fundamental goal of transforming the country. He urged the Obidient Movement and the Labour Party to draw inspiration from Brazil’s Labour Party and put in the effort necessary to facilitate the required changes in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Acting National Chairman of the LP, Senator Nenadi Usman, emphasized that the party fundamentally represents workers in various sectors, including construction, healthcare, and security. She emphasized that the LP takes worker welfare issues very seriously and mentioned five agreements aimed at restoring the dignity of Nigerian workers. These agreements include ensuring living wages, protecting labor rights, implementing essential health and housing programs for workers, and enforcing labor laws. Usman pointed out that workers should not create wealth while living in poverty, emphasizing that the entire labor struggle is for the people’s welfare. Nenadi noted that a government might boast about its achievements, but if these do not translate into improved living conditions for the citizens, it is ineffective governance. “They can restrain everyone, but they cannot restrain God,” she concluded. “Remain steadfast; don’t sacrifice your inheritance for the benefit of future generations,” the acting head of the LP remarked. Additionally, renowned poet Dike Chukwumerije urged the audience to prepare for the impending transformation, which may take as long as eighty years, emphasizing that it is essential not only for the current generation but also for our children and grandchildren. Senator Ireti Kingibe from the FCT criticized the Obidient movement and Nigeria’s youth for their lack of action in seizing control of the nation. “You are too silent in this country, and we are deteriorating as a result,” the Labour Party Senator passionately exclaimed to the crowd.
