During an interactive online session with Nigerians on HaveYourSay247, Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 general election in Nigeria, acknowledged that Nigeria's problems far outweigh the crises currently faced by his party.
Mr. Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, expressed confidence that the internal issues within the Labour Party will be resolved amicably, emphasizing that they pale in comparison to the challenges the country is grappling with. He urged Nigerians to focus on the pressing issues affecting their lives, such as access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
Addressing concerns about his leadership role within the party, Mr. Obi clarified that his primary objective is to ensure that things are done properly, rather than seeking to be the party's leader. He asserted that the functionality of political parties is crucial for effective governance, but it does not directly impact the daily lives of Nigerians.
Despite his disagreement with the Supreme Court's final decision on the presidential election, Mr. Obi emphasized that he has moved on and is committed to the well-being of the average Nigerian. He also stressed the importance of transparency in campaign financing, stating that accountability should be upheld at all levels. Mr. Obi highlighted efforts to appoint an external auditor to examine the party's accounts and pledged to make the results public.
"Whatever is happening in the Labour Party is so minute compared to what is happening in the country. So, for me, it is something we will resolve amicably, and it is not anything to worry about. Let's worry about the country and how the average Nigeria would be able to have a means of livelihood to feed themselves," he said.
In terms of his personal assets, Mr. Obi clarified that he is not obliged to disclose them since he is no longer in a position of power. However, he assured Nigerians that he is not a poor man and vehemently denied any accusations of embezzling government funds.
"We have a more desperate situation to make the party function properly. Parties are just a means to be able to contest elections, and being the leader of a party does not reduce the price of food. What I want to see is that the average Nigerian lives in a society where they have access to education, access to healthcare and a means of livelihood.
"The party account is not under my control," he explained. "We have appointed an external auditor to look into it, and anytime they come up with their results, we will make it public. Monies were received by different groups, and I have said that people who received money should account for it. You have seen one of the campaign accounts managed by Aisha Yesufu, which she has made public.
"We have asked everyone at all levels who collected campaign funds to account for it. It is necessary," he said
Mr. Obi concluded by expressing gratitude to those who made donations during the campaign, assuring them that he will personally acknowledge their contributions.
"If I received their donation, I will let them know, and if I didn't, I will also let them know so they will know who they gave it to and ask questions."
Responding to a question on whether he would be willing to tell Nigerians about his assets, the former governor said he couldn't talk about his assets because he was not in power. "It is not necessary for me to say my assets, but what I can tell Nigerians is that I am not a poor man, and nobody can accuse me of stealing government money," he said.
Additionally, he encouraged individuals who received campaign funds to be transparent and accountable for the resources entrusted to them.
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