Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, assuring his supporters that he is committed to serving a single four-year term if elected.
Obi also dismissed speculations of a possible alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating categorically that no such discussions or agreements have taken place.
These clarifications were contained in a statement issued on Monday by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR). According to the statement, Obi made the remarks on Sunday night while speaking during an interactive session on X (formerly Twitter) Space, where he fielded questions from his supporters across the globe.
Addressing the possibility of political coalitions, Obi explained that his interest lies in forming alliances solely aimed at addressing the critical issues facing Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also appealed to Nigerians to unite in the effort to rescue the country, promising to bring stability within two years of assuming office.
“I will bring stability in Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria,” Obi said.
Responding to concerns about the internal crisis within the Labour Party, Obi revealed that he and other party leaders are working tirelessly to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognizes the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the party, in line with a Supreme Court ruling.
On the contentious issue of rotational presidency, Obi reiterated his belief in zoning political leadership between the North and South, citing his record as governor.
“I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor,” he stated.
Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to St. Lucia, Obi criticised what he described as misplaced priorities by the President.
“In two years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, yet he is going to spend eight nights in St. Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle,” he said. “St. Lucia is about the size of the 10th largest city in 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.”
Speaking on preparations ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi pledged a new approach driven by non-violence and transparency.
“We will do things differently in 2027. We will follow a non-violent approach and insist that the right thing will be done before the result announcement in Abuja. Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will ensure they count,” he said.
Outlining his priorities for his first 100 days in office, Obi listed security, education, and poverty eradication as key focus areas.
“Three things to follow up with in the first 100 days… prioritise security, education and poverty eradication; cut costs and shun corruption. My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds will be channelled into key critical sectors.”
He also promised to strengthen party democracy and discourage political defections.
“My Presidency will ensure there is a strong opposition in party politics. There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge.”
Obi condemned the government’s failure to address violence and insecurity, while leaders focus on trivial matters.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Highlighting his record as governor, Obi said, “My past speaks loudly for me. Wherever there was an issue in Anambra State, I was there physically. Anybody who wants to serve should be ready to put even their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of credibility and stability in leadership.
“Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government,” Obi stated.
