“I Am in Coalition with the People”: Peter Obi Declares War on Hunger and Poor Governance, Not Tinubu [VIDEO]

 

Returning from an international engagement in Rome, former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, addressed supporters and journalists in Abuja with a message that underscored his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people—not the political elite.

Dismissing insinuations of a personal political rivalry with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Obi firmly stated that his true battle lies not within the corridors of power, but against the pressing challenges that threaten the well-being of millions of Nigerians. Hunger, inadequate education, and a crumbling healthcare system, he said, are the real enemies.

“I am not fighting Tinubu,” Obi asserted with calm intensity. “I am busy fighting against hunger, poor education, and poor healthcare for Nigerians. I am in coalition with the Nigerian people. Politics, for me, is not about holding a position; it's about making things work.”

His statement, delivered to a mix of reporters, supporters, and curious onlookers, reverberated beyond the venue, triggering a fresh wave of debate across social media and political forums. Many viewed the remarks as a strategic repositioning—an effort to reframe the political discourse in a country increasingly weary of elite power tussles and political point-scoring.

The former Anambra State governor emphasized that leadership should not be reduced to a title or office, but should instead be measured by tangible progress and service delivery. According to him, what the nation needs most is not another political fight, but a leadership revolution rooted in empathy, vision, and practical results.

Citizens battling the harsh realities of inflation, economic downturn, and failing public services have found resonance in Obi’s message. “He speaks the truth,” said Ngozi Ebere, a market trader in Wuse. “Every day, we fight hunger. My children attend school but learn nothing. When they are sick, we pray because the hospitals can’t help. If Obi says this is what he is fighting, then that is our fight too.”

While Obi did not shy away from offering critiques of the current administration’s performance in the past, his latest comments suggest a pivot towards issue-based advocacy. By making it clear that he is more interested in the quality of life for Nigerians than in political supremacy, Obi seeks to distinguish himself from the often-toxic atmosphere that defines Nigerian politics.

The return from Rome, though not elaborated upon in the speech, is understood to be part of his broader efforts to build partnerships and attract ideas and resources that could help drive development in Nigeria. Sources close to the former governor hinted that he engaged with several stakeholders on matters of governance, innovation, and youth development during his stay in Europe.

Observers are interpreting his renewed focus on social challenges as a deliberate effort to build a national movement anchored on accountability and reform. This approach continues to appeal strongly to Nigeria’s vast youth demographic, many of whom propelled his presidential campaign with viral momentum during the 2023 elections.

There is growing speculation about what comes next for Obi. While he did not speak directly about his political future, his language and tone indicate that he remains very much in the arena—just not in the conventional way Nigerian politicians tend to define it.

Far from the drama of Abuja’s political intrigues, Obi is carving out a unique identity—one that prioritizes impact over position, service over status.

Whether this strategy will yield electoral dividends remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Peter Obi is not retreating from the national conversation. Rather, he is shifting its terms, asking Nigerians to look not at the spectacle of power, but at the substance of governance.

"I am not fighting Tinubu. I am busy fighting against hunger, poor education, and poor healthcare for Nigerians. I am in coalition with the Nigerian people. Politics, for me, is not about holding a position it's about making things work."

-Mr Peter Obi speaking today in Abuja,… pic.twitter.com/AVhLnyJKic

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) May 19, 2025