The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed reports suggesting that former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may return to the party.
The party’s National Secretary, Darlington Okocha, made this known on Tuesday while speaking at a meeting of the Usman-led National Working Committee (NWC).
Okocha described Obi as “a man of principle” and said his decision to leave the Labour Party for another political platform was taken after careful thought.
He said talks about Obi’s possible return should be put aside, especially considering the party’s present leadership strength.
“For him to have left Labour Party, I don’t see him as somebody that will come back again. He’s quite principled,” Okocha stated.
He added that the Labour Party has wished Obi well in his new political journey and noted that the party still has a competent and capable national leader.
According to him, “integrity matters in everything we do,” and he commended Obi for maintaining his integrity.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has again called on the National Assembly to carry out clear and urgent electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the call in a statement released on Tuesday through his 𝕏 account.
He said the reforms must reflect the will of the Nigerian people and show true electoral integrity.
According to him, he joined a peaceful protest on Monday to support Nigerians in demanding credible electoral processes.
He also said people seeking public office must present verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, in addition to meeting other constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications.
The former Anambra State governor further insisted that electoral reforms must include the electronic and real-time transmission of election results to protect the people’s mandate and prevent manipulation.
Reacting to recent comments credited to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on possible challenges of electronic transmission, Obi said claims about lack of network coverage in some states are no longer acceptable.
He urged Nigerian youths to remain committed to the struggle for electoral reforms, saying a better Nigeria is achievable.
In his full statement, Obi said:
“Yesterday, February 9th, I participated in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly to demand urgent electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
“Our demands were clear and non-negotiable: anyone seeking to hold titles such as Honourable, Distinguished, or Excellency must emerge through a transparent and honourable process. Aspirants for public office should provide verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, along with fulfilling other constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications. No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process.
“Beyond eligibility, candidates must engage in open campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates as mandated by law. Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation.
“Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable. Financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks to conduct transactions and collect taxes on a daily basis. If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same.
“Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent and instead become a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections.
“We owe the younger generation a nation built on order, justice, and trust, not one mired in chaos and impunity. As the agitation continues, I urge our youth, who turned out in large numbers, to remain steadfast and not relent until the necessary reforms are achieved.
“I remain firmly committed to the vision of a New Nigeria, one that is not only possible, but inevitable if we stand and act together.”
The development comes as political activities continue to increase ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and leaders positioning themselves for the polls.
