In a heartfelt and reflective moment during a packed XSpace session tagged #PeterObiOnParallelFacts, Labour Party stalwart and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, responded to growing criticism about his handling of the Labour Party crisis, saying that those blaming him are ignoring a much deeper problem: the deliberate destabilisation of opposition politics by those in power.
“You’re asking me about a party where the same people breaking it are the ones running the government,” Obi said. “This is like demolishing a house and asking the neighbour why the roof fell off.”
Obi insisted that, as a former governor, he had navigated complex political crises, including impeachment, opposition-controlled legislatures, and deep party divisions, with calmness, maturity, and a commitment to democratic values.
“When I was impeached, I came back, and they said the speaker must go. I said no. We needed stability. People have a right to oppose you. That’s how you build a system that works,” he said, recalling his leadership experience in Anambra State.
Obi rebuffed allegations that the ongoing internal wrangling in the Labour Party proves he cannot manage national affairs. He said Nigeria’s political dysfunction stems not from the weakness of the opposition but from the ruling class’s intolerance and undermining of democratic processes.
“Even the President said he was happy that the opposition is in disarray. That should never be. I want a Nigeria where even the opposition enjoys peace. I’ll sit with them, consult with them, and fix the house, even if it’s not mine,” he stated.
He drew parallels with his record in Anambra, where rival parties controlled the State Assembly and Senate delegations, yet his administration saw no chaos.
“Ask PDP leaders in Anambra if I ever fought them. I worked with everyone. Even when the President came to campaign against me, I gave him an official car. I hosted them. Because leadership is about building, not fighting.”
Obi’s comments struck a chord with many online listeners who praised his tone of empathy, inclusion, and statesmanship — qualities he believes are sorely missing in today’s politics.
“In my Nigeria, we won’t spend time breaking each other. We will be busy fixing the country,” Obi concluded, reaffirming his commitment to unity, dialogue, and nation-building.
