…as Nigerians mount pressure for his return to LP
By Frank Nathaniel
Senator Shehu Sani has praised former governor of Anambra state, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, for not completely leaving the Labour Party, LP, metaphorically describing his decision as a clever political balancing act.
According to Shehu Sani, a former Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the Upper Chamber of National Assembly, Obi’s engagement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition while maintaining Labour Party ties shows strategic thinking.
Using a humorous metaphor in his post on X App (formerly Twitter), Sani said, “Peter is wise; that’s why he left his slippers, blanket, and bucket in Labour just in case”.
Sen. Sani’s comment suggests Obi is keeping options open, hedging bets, and staying flexible amid shifting alliances ahead of 2027 elections.
Sani highlights Obi’s approach as a broader strategy among Nigerian opposition figures, seeking influence while preparing for uncertainties.
Other political pundits have also reasoned that by keeping multiple avenues open, Obi positions himself as a shrewd player in Nigeria’s dynamic politics.
Recall that Mr Peter Obi, 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, had in December last year, joined the ADC coalition which consisted of other notable leaders of other opposition political parties in the country for the purpose of unseating incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Sen Sani’s remark comes on the heels of yesterday’s removal of Sen. David Mark, His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and other members of the National Working Committee of the ADC from its portal by the management of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
This development has sent a troubling signal, as INEC may not be supervising the Ward, Chapter and State congresses, as well as the national convention of the ADC.
The nation’s electoral umpire had earlier made its position known as to the fate of Sen David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and other members of NWC of the ADC, citing a recent court judgment.
According to INEC: “Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025 by INEC Nigeria (7 days after the suit was instituted), the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court”.
Reacting to the development, Nigerians have taken to their social media platforms to mount pressure on Mr Peter Obi to consider returning to the LP for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
