By CHIDI MATTHEW NWACHUKWU

Labour Party Chieftain and former presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has distanced himself from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a bid to debunk the rumours been circulated on diverse social media platforms that he was gearing up to join the APC.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday evening, Friday, March 28, 2025, the former Anambra governor stressed that he has no plan, whether in the interim or in the future, to join the APC, and strongly emphasized his stance against toxic politics, blackmail and political manipulation.

Obi further stressed that his political ideology is rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement, adding that his criteria for the assessment of a worthy candidate is competence, capacity and compassion.

?I have come across a report circulating on social media regarding an APC gathering where my name was mentioned. Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. My name should not be associated with such narratives.

?For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member. My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement. I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion ? qualities essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria,? stated Obi.

Without mincing words, Obi emphasized the need to evaluate all candidates aspiring to the Seat of Governor of Anambra State on the bases of the principles he had earlier highlighted, adding that even Valentine Ozigbo, who was Labour Party?s governorship aspirant in 2021, and who had moved on to recently join the APC, should also be thoroughly assessed to know if he is qualified to be voted for.

Obi further stressed the need to avoid toxicity and blackmail in politics, and advocated for credibility, vision and the ability to deliver real change as necessary ingredients for effective leadership.

?As for Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership qualities in his new political party.

?Elections and primaries should not be reduced to toxic narratives or personal attacks. Political choices should be guided by credibility, vision, and the ability to deliver real change ? not by dragging individuals into toxic discussions, blackmail, or needless controversy,? stated Obi.

The remaining part of the tweet reads:

?Furthermore, primaries ? whether conducted through voting, interviews, selection processes, or any other democratic method ? must be free, fair, and credible. Every aspirant who is a legitimate member of a party deserves a fair chance to contest without bias or blackmail.

?As we approach the Anambra State governorship election in November, I sincerely hope that all parties, including mine, will ensure a transparent and democratic process, and engage in credible, fair primaries.

?This election presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to embrace true democracy ? something that, unfortunately, remains elusive in our nation today.

?I wish all political parties the very best in conducting free and fair primaries, and I call on all stakeholders to uphold justice throughout the process. We must reject toxic politics, for that is the only path to achieving the democratic nation we currently lack.

?By doing so, we will move closer to the new Nigeria we seek.

?A new Nigeria is Possible. -PO?

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