Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly dismissed rumours suggesting he might accept a vice-presidential slot under former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any other presidential hopeful, insisting that his eyes are set on Nigeria’s top job in 2027.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, Obi made it clear that he has had no discussions about playing second fiddle in any presidential arrangement.
“Nobody has ever discussed with me whether to be A or B or C. I am going to contest for the President of Nigeria, and I believe I’m qualified,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the recent coalition of opposition parties adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a united platform for 2027, Obi said the move was not a betrayal of the Labour Party.
“There is nothing anti-party in the decision. We are not abandoning where we are. We are going there together. What is constant is that we have agreed to work together,” he explained.
Responding to criticism over his association with certain political figures considered controversial, Obi stressed the need for inclusive leadership and national reconciliation.
“The job of a leader is to change. You need everybody. If you want to serve, you must serve everybody,” he noted.
Obi also didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of poor governance and promising a more disciplined and competent approach if elected.
“We’re going to ensure that we remove Tinubu’s government by all lawful means,” he said, adding, “I will govern within the law, I will bring civility to Nigeria, and I will appoint competent people into office. I will not be Minister of Petroleum.”
With the political climate heating up and opposition alliances taking shape, Obi’s comments signal a clear intention to remain a leading contender in the race to reshape Nigeria’s political future come 2027.
