I will run in 2027 – Peter Obi reassures supporters

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 general election, assuring Nigerians that he remains committed to his political ambition.

Obi disclosed that he had received credible information suggesting that certain forces within the federal government were opposed to his participation. However, he insisted that no pressure would stop him from returning to the race.

He made this declaration while speaking in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and Official Declaration for ADC, themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.” He called on Nigerians to work together to secure a better future for coming generations, warning that prolonged poor leadership would continue to damage the country.

The former governor of Anambra State criticised the current administration, stating that it had borrowed more than any previous government. He added that many of the loans would only be repaid between 2045 and 2050, long after those responsible for the debts would have left public office.

Explaining his exit from the Labour Party, Obi said, ” Democracy must work, I left Labour party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognize its leadership, that the federal government don’t want me on ballot paper, but I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it holds in their bedroom and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them.

According to him, Nigeria must get it right in 2027, election results must be transmitted online in real time and whoever fails to transmit results will be transmitted”

He further stressed that transparency in elections was non-negotiable, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission must ensure credible and timely transmission of results.

Obi also promised that, if elected, his government would prioritise education and healthcare, describing them as pillars of national development. He said strong investment in these sectors had helped many countries attain global relevance and pledged to pursue policies aimed at lifting citizens out of poverty and reducing crime.

He added that he plans to tour all parts of the country and visit tertiary institutions to understand challenges firsthand, noting that he is ready to take on difficult responsibilities in the interest of national progress.

The presidential hopeful also vowed to fight corruption, claiming that leadership by example could significantly reduce the problem.

He said, ” When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget about the office of first lady because we were not elected together, I approved over 100 C of Os of government lands but have none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to appropriate authority.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the global coordinator of the OBIDIENT movement, urged Nigerians to mobilise nationwide ahead of the 2027 polls.

He encouraged supporters to channel their efforts through the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a platform for political change and electoral success.

Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the OBIDIENT movement, Dr. Ben Smith, called for unity among members in Akwa Ibom State, warning that internal divisions could undermine the vision of a new Nigeria.