Obi Denies Southeast Political ‘Capture,’ Describes Mbah’s Defection as Personal Decision

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims of political dominance in the Southeast following recent defections, describing such moves as undemocratic and politically meaningless.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Obi maintained that no political party could automatically win any state simply because a sitting governor joined its ranks.

> “No party will win any state just because it has a governor,” he said. “This is democracy, not military rule. The people decide where they go, not governors or senators.”



Reacting to Governor Peter Mbah’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obi said the Enugu governor acted based on his personal judgment and political interest.

> “Peter Mbah is my friend, and he acted based on his own calculations. But nobody is ‘capturing’ the Southeast,” Obi stated. “Leadership is about doing the right thing so people willingly follow you, not through coercion.”



On the planned protest by Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Obi said the Federal Government should have handled the issue through dialogue and lawful processes.

> “There was no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place. Agitators must be engaged through dialogue, negotiation and consultation. Let’s follow the law, not arbitrary actions,” he advised.



The LP leader also called on the newly nominated INEC Chairman to prioritize integrity and transparency in future elections.

> “None of us lasts forever,” he said. “Whoever holds that office must protect their reputation and do what is right for Nigerians.”


Obi ended his engagements in Abuja with a visit to LEA Nursery/Primary School, Kapwa, where he reiterated his commitment to improving Nigeria’s struggling education sector and called for urgent reforms to secure the future of Nigerian children.