The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has denied being against the idea of a formidable coalition that can restore the hope of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi made his position known via his official X account on Tuesday.

He had earlier rejected efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders to form a coalition ahead of the next general elections.

Obi emphasised that he would not endorse any coalition if the motive is restricted to mere power grabbing.

The former Anambra State governor spoke on the sideline of a two-day national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, themed; ?Strengthening Nigeria?s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,? held on Monday in Abuja.

But the LP chieftain on Tuesday made a U-turn, saying his interview was misrepresented.

He wrote, ?I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position. Let me set the record straight. I am not against coalition. In truth, I am for it, not for a power grab but to position Nigeria for greatness.

?I have not, and will never advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritise the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian.

?Any discussion about governance must be centred on what it means for everyday Nigerians and how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare and education and pulling people out of poverty.

?Too often in our nation?s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power?s sake. Such endeavours, devoid of genuine purpose and vision, have only deepened our challenges, leaving the ordinary Nigerian to bear the brunt of bad governance. This is what I stand firmly against.

?Leadership must be about service, not self-interest. As I have always maintained, the New Nigeria is possible.

?But it requires us to change the way we think about power. It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come,? he added. (The PUNCH)