The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 election, Peter Obi, has asked the Federal Government to stop intervening in the internal affairs of states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened.

Obi, who gave the charge in his 2024 New Year message on Sunday, said Nigerian politics must not be left in the hands of transactional politicians.

The development comes a few days after some elders in Rivers State faulted Tinubu’s intervention in the political rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and the state Governor, Sim Fubara

The elders also declared that the presidential resolution on the political crisis in the state was lopsided and not implementable because it was against the rule of law.

The elders, led by former Rivers State Governor, Rufus Ada-George, also faulted the Christmas Day broadcast by the state governor, saying the proclamation, contrary to his view, is a death sentence.

Obi said there must be respect for the constitutional rights of the three arms of government.

The former Anambra State Governor also urged  Nigerians to resist any attempt to turn the nation into a one-party state.

He said, “If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.

“In a democratic and secular country like ours, there must be full respect for the separation of powers between the three independent arms of government, as well as between the federating units.

“For instance, the National Assembly should devote time and commit themselves to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that requires their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic-oriented approval or rejection.”

Obi added, “We must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal Government intervenes unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened.

“We, in the Labour Party, have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a New Nigeria that is possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward. Our collective role in nation-building remains fundamental and obligatory.”

The LP candidates seized the opportunity of the New Year message to thank Nigerians, the Obidient Movement and supporters, for their commitment to true democracy.