Prince Tony Akeni, Interim National Publicity Secretary, Labour Party, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to shelve his presidential ambition in favour of Peter Obi, warning that divided opposition votes would guarantee an easy second term for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Akeni, Labour Party, in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, said the coalition, under the banner of “Agove 2027,” reached its decision after a three-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. He explained that the movement was convinced only Obi could unite Nigerians and defeat the APC in the next election.

“There is no faction in the Labour Party. The judgment of the Supreme Court put paid to that. The interpretation that followed a few months ago also sealed that judgment. There is only one Labour Party. Whatever else you see outside the Senate, on the night of the postman-led leadership of the Labour Party, is just smoke and fog that is being created for persons who have determined that the progress of this country and the progress of the Labour Party in particular is not of any interest to them. All they seek is a platform to line their pockets by impersonating the structures, the institution of the Labour Party.”

“That is beyond their reach now because both the Supreme Court and the federal high court interpretation that came afterwards has put any activity of the Labour Party beyond their reach. There is only one body, the one led by Senator Ben Ali-Ousmane as the interim national chairman, and that is the only one that exists.”

Explaining why Atiku should step aside, Akeni stressed that Obi represents the only realistic chance of defeating the APC. “The same understanding that our country has been blessed by an extraordinary individual in the person of Peter Obi is what drives us today. We also have a similar understanding that our country has been blessed by an extraordinary person, the person of His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“Two giants strutting the political space of Nigeria, on the side of the progressive aisle. Looking at the two personalities, their backgrounds, where they’re coming from, and where they have told Nigerians they are heading, we say that it is time to come to the intersection of their individual aspirations, and to take a stand. And the steps we have taken is based on research and study.”

Akeni argued that the coalition, known as Agove 2027, was built on the legacy of the “Obidient Movement” that swept the 2023 elections, and that only unity can deliver victory in 2027. He also extended the appeal to former President Goodluck Jonathan. “We also appeal to President Jonathan that he should consider what the majority of Nigerians have yielded their hearts to pursue. That is a presidency led by a younger person from a younger generation who clicks with the majority of Nigerians, by his records of integrity, character and consistency.

Since 1999, this country has turned out hundreds of former governors. Now, when they leave office, what do you see? It is a people wallowin” in poverty worse than when they first came in. There is no one that holds the kind of majestic and impeachable record of integrity, of purity of purpose, and compassion for the poor. The president of Mr. Peter Obi could as well have 10 minutes a day to speak to the people of Nigeria.”

Responding to critics who argue Obi should face Atiku in an open contest, Akeni dismissed the idea as a dangerous distraction. “It is illogical to add a vote to the fray or to the table in this particular case, because what we have done is to identify leaders who have the compassion and the pulse of the people as a priority in their individual communities. So, that is why he is not in the equation. Before now, don’t forget, all the things that can be said, every rot that can be put by opposition against a quality candidate, it’s not the first time. And Walla Walla wrote almost the last question of his life, trying to become the president of Nigeria. Nobody gave him a chance.

But when the man lay still in death, even the Inkeba of Inlewi said, didn’t realise the best president Nigeria never had. Even Jesus Christ, when there was an option to choose between the rogue, the thieves, in Jerusalem, and the saviour. They chose the thieves, so the freed, and the saviour to be crucified. So, we don’t expect that people will stand up for election, and there will be no more slinging, or digging up of all kinds of materials to malign him.”

He insisted that Obi’s record speaks for itself, despite repeated criticisms from rivals.

“But like you said. I’m sure you were satisfied when Mr. Obi explained that.” (AriseNews TV)