Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has officially announced he will run for president again in 2027. Obi made this declaration during a live session on X Space, where he answered questions from supporters in Nigeria and abroad. He assured his followers that, if elected, he is willing to serve only a single four-year term as president.
Obi used the opportunity to address several issues, including rumors about a possible joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He firmly denied any such agreement, saying he has not discussed or agreed to run alongside Atiku. However, Obi admitted he is open to coalition talks, but only if they are focused on solving Nigeria’s real problems, not just gaining power.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… Count me out. Nigeria is currently at war. We need to do something about it,” Obi said.
Coalition Talks and National Rescue
Obi explained that his interest in coalition talks is based on his desire to rescue Nigeria from its current troubles. He said he is willing to align with all patriotic Nigerians who share his vision for a better country. For him, any coalition must focus on ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and improving the lives of ordinary people.
He called on Nigerians to join him in the mission to rescue the country. Obi promised that if given the chance, he would bring stability to Nigeria within two years of assuming office. He urged leaders to remain in Nigeria and work together to solve the nation’s problems, rather than seeking solutions abroad.
Labour Party Crisis and Election Plans
Obi also addressed the ongoing leadership crisis in the Labour Party. He stated that he and other party leaders are working to get the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party, following a Supreme Court ruling. He reassured his supporters that the party is committed to unity and is working hard to resolve all internal issues before the next election.
On the issue of rotating the presidency between the North and South, Obi said, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.” He emphasized his commitment to fairness and inclusiveness in governance.
Criticism of President Tinubu’s Travels
Obi did not hold back in criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to St Lucia. He pointed out that Tinubu has not spent a night in any Nigerian state apart from Lagos since taking office, yet he was planning to spend several days in St Lucia, a small Caribbean nation. Obi argued that Nigeria’s leaders should focus on solving the country’s problems at home rather than traveling abroad for extended periods.
He said, “In 2 years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, yet he is going to spend 8 nights in St Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle. St Lucia is about the size of the 10th largest city of Nigeria, Ilorin. President Tinubu has never slept a night in any state of Nigeria outside Lagos since the assumption of office in 2023. PBAT to stay in St Lucia for 10 days.”
2027 Election: A New Approach
Looking ahead to 2027, Obi promised to do things differently. He said his campaign would follow a non-violent approach and would insist that the right thing is done before results are announced in Abuja. Obi assured his supporters that their votes would count in 2027 and that he would ensure electoral transparency.
He outlined his top priorities for the first 100 days in office: security, education, poverty eradication, cutting government costs, and fighting corruption. Obi pledged that his family would not be involved in corruption and that government funds would be directed to critical sectors like health, education, and security.
“Three things to follow up with in the first 100 days… prioritise on security, education and poverty eradication; cut costs and shun corruption. My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds to be channelled into key critical sectors,” Obi stated.
Obi also promised to ensure a strong opposition in party politics and to prevent elected officials from defecting to other parties while he is in office. He stressed the need for discipline and stability in Nigeria’s political system.
Personal Commitment and Leadership
Obi reflected on his time as governor of Anambra State, saying he was always present wherever there was a problem. He urged anyone who wants to serve to be ready to put their life on the line for the people of Nigeria. He also stressed that no country is taken seriously abroad if it does not have a stable government at home.
He criticized the current state of governance, saying, “Imagine in this country, people are dying in Benue, Borno, [and other parts of the country], and our leaders are commissioning bus stops and holidaying. To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty. To do this is by cutting the cost of governance and fighting corruption from day one.”
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election has energized his supporters and set the stage for a new chapter in Nigerian politics. He has promised a single term, a focus on security, education, and economic revival, and a commitment to clean governance.
Obi’s message is clear: he wants to lead a movement that puts Nigeria first, brings stability, and ensures every vote counts. As 2027 approaches, all eyes will be on Obi and his promise to do things differently for the good of the country.
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