Former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 presidential race, Peter Obi, has firmly declared his intention to run for president again in 2027, assuring his supporters that any attempts to disqualify him will be unsuccessful.
Obi made this significant announcement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the OBIDIENT Conference. The event, themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC,” saw him address members of the Obidient movement and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), outlining his political aspirations and national agenda.
He explained his departure from the Labour Party, stating that he was informed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not recognise the party's leadership if he remained. "I left LP when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, that the federal government doesn’t want me on the ballot," Obi stated.
Reiterating his unwavering commitment, Obi told his audience, “I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them for them.”
The former governor also voiced strong criticism regarding the current administration's borrowing practices, warning of the long-term repercussions of the nation's escalating debt. "The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid from 2045 to 2050 when most of the people who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more," Obi remarked.
He urged Nigerians to collaborate with him in the mission to “rescue Nigeria” for the benefit of future generations, cautioning that decades of inadequate governance could lead to worsened conditions for young people if critical reforms are not implemented.
Detailing his policy priorities, Obi highlighted a strong focus on education and healthcare, noting that nations achieving sustained growth typically invest deliberately in their human capital. He also pledged to combat corruption, asserting that ethical leadership from the top could significantly mitigate the issue.
“When I became governor of Anambra, I advised my wife to forget about the Office of First Lady because we were not elected together,” he shared. “I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy on government land, but had none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority.”
Obi further indicated plans to visit universities nationwide to gain firsthand understanding of their challenges, stressing that individuals joining his political movement must prioritize Nigeria's future and its citizens' welfare.
Speaking at the same event, the global coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, encouraged supporters to engage in nationwide mobilization for the 2027 elections and to support the ADC as their chosen political vehicle.
Ben Smith, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator for the movement, characterised the upcoming presidential election as a pivotal moment for the nation. “The 2027 presidential election is not about an individual but about a generation, jobs for the youths, security for families, dignity for workers and hope for every Nigerian,” he stated.
Obi’s statements have injected new energy into the preliminary discussions surrounding the 2027 general election, as political realignments and party formations begin to emerge across the country.
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