ABUJA – Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election, pledging to serve only one four-year term if elected.
Obi made the announcement during a virtual interactive session with supporters on Sunday night via an X (formerly Twitter) space. He addressed a range of issues including his political future, party leadership, national security, and coalition talks.
A statement released on Monday by his media aide, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), quoted the former Anambra State governor as reaffirming his commitment to rescuing Nigeria through purposeful collaboration.
“I am involved in coalition talks because I want Nigeria rescued. 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,” Obi said.
He insisted that any alliance must be focused on addressing Nigeria’s core challenges, particularly insecurity and economic decline.
On internal party issues, Obi confirmed that efforts were ongoing to get the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led leadership of the Labour Party, in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling.
He also reiterated his belief in the principle of power rotation, saying, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.”
Obi took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s overseas trips, criticising the President for not spending time in other Nigerian states apart from Lagos. “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.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Obi pledged a new approach. “We will follow a non-violent strategy and ensure that the right thing is done before results are announced. Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will ensure they count,” he said.
He outlined his top priorities for his first 100 days in office if elected: improving security, reforming education, eradicating poverty, cutting government waste, and fighting corruption.
“My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds will be channelled into key critical sectors,” Obi assured.
He added that elected officials under his leadership would not switch political parties and that his administration would foster a strong opposition and promote accountability.
“Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government,” he said. “Anybody who wants to serve should be ready to put even their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians.”
