Former federal lawmaker and prominent social commentator, Senator Shehu Sani, has publicly advised the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, to remain with the party despite the ongoing internal turmoil and the lure of new political alliances.
The advice follows mounting speculation regarding Obi’s possible defection from the LP amid unresolved leadership disputes and the recent formation of a political coalition led by opposition leaders using the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for the 2027 general elections.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sani extended birthday wishes to Obi, who recently turned 63, and urged him to exercise caution in making political decisions that could affect his credibility and national influence.
“Happy Birthday to Mr Peter Obi. My advice, hold thy Labour, it’s the Devil you know. Don’t chase two rabbits at the same time,” Sani wrote, hinting that remaining in the LP may be more strategic than venturing into uncertain alliances.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, became the LP’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, where he emerged third but gained substantial popularity, especially among youths, known as the “Obidient” movement. His campaign focused on transparency, economic reform, and accountability.
The Labour Party has, however, since been embroiled in a leadership tussle, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure, thereby casting uncertainty over Obi’s position and political direction ahead of the 2027 polls.
Despite the visible cracks within the LP and talks surrounding a merger with other key opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, Obi has consistently reiterated that he remains a committed member of the Labour Party.
Shehu Sani’s statement has further stirred public conversation about the sustainability and credibility of emerging coalitions and whether Obi’s continued stay in the LP could serve as a stabilizing force or a missed opportunity.