Peter Obi Announces 2027 Presidential Candidacy

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has confirmed his intention to run again in the 2027 presidential race.

He also stated that he is prepared to serve only one four-year term if elected.

Obi made this known on Sunday night during a live X Spaces session, where he responded to questions from supporters within Nigeria and the diaspora.

In a Monday statement from his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach, Peter Obi refuted claims of a potential joint presidential ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He acknowledged openness to coalition discussions, provided they center on tackling Nigeria’s fundamental issues.

“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue and 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 committed to stabilizing Nigeria within two years of taking office and called on Nigerians to support his mission to revitalize the country.

“I will bring stability in Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria,” he added.

Addressing the internal conflict within the Labour Party, Obi disclosed that steps were being taken to secure the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recognition of the Nenadi Usman-led faction, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision.

On power rotation, Obi stated, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.”

Commenting on President Bola Tinubu’s reported trip to St. Lucia, Obi criticised the President’s domestic absence, saying, “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.”

Concerning his 2027 plans, Obi stated that his approach would prioritize non-violence and transparency.

He stated, “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 identified three key priorities for his first 100 days in office: enhancing security, improving education, and addressing poverty.

“My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds to be channelled into key critical sectors,” he said.

Obi vowed to promote strong party opposition and end party-switching by elected officials.

“There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge,” he asserted.

He condemned the current administration for its misplaced priorities, stating, “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 called for responsible governance and integrity.

“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.

“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 their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians.
Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government.”