Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says he never declared that he would accept to be a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

On Wednesday, Obi spoke in an interview with News Central Television.

The former governor of Anambra was quoted by some reports as saying he would consider a vice-presidential role if he found a candidate who could perform better than him.

Reacting to the claim in a post on his X page on Saturday, Obi alleged that “some fifth columnists resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.”

The former Anambra governor said he was surprised by the misrepresentation of his statement, adding that he is not desperate to be president, but determined to make Nigeria work.

“I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV,” Obi said.

“In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail.

“However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.

“Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record: I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges.

“When I was asked about collaboration, I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture.

“I emphasized my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.

“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions. As I have always maintained, I am not desperate to become president, but I am determined to see Nigeria work.

“Likewise, I am not desperate for any position at all as I believe I can make contributions as I am already doing without occupying any. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.

“I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.

“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words.

“For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal. I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria.

“My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi has suspended Dino Melaye, former governorship candidate in the state, over alleged anti-party activities.

Melaye was suspended by the PDP executive committee in Ayetoro Gbede, ward 1, Ijumu LGA of the state.

In a memo dated September 12, the ward executive committee claimed that Melaye was summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee in August over allegations of misconduct, but shunned the invitation.

“The Ward Party Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ayetoro/lluagba ward 1 met on Friday the 12th of September 2024 to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against Senator Dino Melaye, a member of our great party,” the memo reads.

“However, he failed to show up, disregarding the invitation and the authority of the party.

“After careful consideration and deliberation, the Ward Party Exco resolved as follows: That Senator Dino Melaye’s failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee constitutes a gross disrespect to the party and its leadership.

“That his actions are in clear violation of the PDP Constitution and the principles of party discipline.

“That Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party, and his continued membership is no longer tenable.

“Therefore, the Ward Party Exco hereby suspends Senator Dino Melaye from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately.”

The PDP executive committee said the suspension is “in line with the provisions of Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution which empowers the Ward Party Exco to take disciplinary actions against erring members”.

In August, Melaye accused Umar Damagum, acting national chair of the PDP, of destroying the party.

Melaye also claimed that Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary of the PDP, and Umar Bature, national organising secretary, are leading the party to ruin.

The court of appeal in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to void the nomination of Olumide Akpata as governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo state.

On February 23, Akpata was declared the winner of the primary election conducted by the Julius Abure faction of the LP.

He polled 316 votes to beat Kenneth Imasuagbon and four other aspirants in the primary poll.

Aggrieved by the outcome, Imasuagbon approached the federal high court in Edo state to challenge the process of the primary election.

However, Babatunde Quadri, trial judge, dismissed the suit for lacking merit.

Quadri ruled that Imasuagbon failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the party before seeking legal action.

The court further held that Imasuagbon’s claim of Akpata not signing the indemnity form was statute-barred.

Not satisfied with the verdict, Imasuagbon proceeded to the court of appeal.

In the judgment delivered on Wednesday, a three-member panel of the appellate court agreed with the decision of the lower court.

In the lead judgment delivered by Okon Abang, the court jeld that Imasuangbon failed to explore the inter-conflict resolution mechanism of the party.

Abang further held that the appellant failed to tender the disputed results of the February 23 primary election of the party which he claimed to have won.

Abang faulted the appellant for failing to call any witnesses to prove his case.

The court also said that Imansuangbon’s allegations that Akpata did not sign the indemnity form is statute-barred and therefore lacked jurisdiction.

The Edo state governorship election will be held on September 21.