Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, announcing a bold commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected.
Obi made the declaration during a live X Spaces session on Sunday night, where he answered questions from supporters across Nigeria and the diaspora. His media office, Peter Obi Media Reach, led by spokesman Ibrahim Umar, released a follow-up statement on Monday confirming the development.
The former Anambra State governor dismissed the possibility of a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, but expressed openness to a coalition—on the condition that it centres on tackling Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges.
“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 stated.
Obi pledged to stabilise the nation within the first two years of his presidency and called on citizens to join his mission to “rescue Nigeria.”
**“I will bring stability in Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing internal party wrangling, Obi noted that the Labour Party was working to gain official recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Nenadi Usman-led faction, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
On the contentious issue of zoning, Obi reaffirmed his belief in regional balance, noting, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.”
He didnl not spare President Bola Tinubu criticism either, reacting to reports of the President’s trip to St. Lucia amid the insecurity at home.
“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,” Obi said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Obi promised a radically different and transparent approach.
“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 listed security, education, and poverty reduction as the top three priorities of his first 100 days in office.
“My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds to be channelled into key critical sectors,” he added.
Obi also pledged to put an end to the defection culture among politicians.
“There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge,” he said.
Criticising the current government’s performance, Obi condemned the misalignment of national priorities.
“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 underscored the need for responsible governance, integrity, and a leader willing to sacrifice.
“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.”
