By Our Reporter
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, alleging that the Federal Government does not want his name to appear on the ballot of any political party.
Obi made the declaration on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The event, themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC,” drew supporters of the Obidient Movement and members of the party.
Addressing the gathering, Obi urged Nigerians to unite across political and ethnic lines to “rescue” the country from what he described as decades of poor governance, warning that future generations would bear the brunt of mounting debt and policy failures.
He alleged that the current administration is uncomfortable with his political ambition and is working behind the scenes to prevent him from contesting.
“The Federal Government doesn’t want me on the ballot paper of any party,” Obi said. “But I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election, even if it holds in their bedroom.”
In a pointed remark referencing Nigeria’s contentious electoral process, Obi added: “If they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them.”
Obi was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, where he emerged third behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His campaign galvanised a significant youth following under the Obidient Movement, reshaping the dynamics of that election cycle.
Explaining his departure from the Labour Party, Obi claimed that he was informed that as long as he remained in the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not recognise its leadership.
“Democracy must work,” he said. “I left Labour Party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership.”
While he did not provide documentary evidence for the claim, Obi maintained that the alleged moves were part of broader efforts to edge him out of the 2027 race.
The former governor also criticised the Federal Government’s borrowing profile, alleging that the present administration had accumulated more loans than previous governments and structured repayments in ways that would burden future generations.
“Most of these loans will be repaid between 2045 and 2050,” he said, suggesting that those responsible for contracting the debts would no longer be in office when repayments peak.
In a follow-up message posted Sunday on his verified X handle, Obi reiterated his commitment to national unity and leadership reform.
“Yesterday, Saturday, 14th February, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, I attended the meeting of the ADC and the Obidient Movement,” he wrote. “In my address at the gathering, I emphasised the importance of unity, calling on all of us to work together as one family toward the common goal of building a new Nigeria.”
He argued that Nigeria must be led by leaders who are “competent, compassionate and committed,” with focus on development, security, education, healthcare, poverty reduction and youth empowerment.
“Our politics must shift from mere consumption to production, harnessing our nation’s resources to generate wealth and prosperity for all,” Obi stated.
He also called for a renewal of public morality and accountability in governance.
“Those who aspire to be called ‘honourable’ must truly act honourably; those who seek to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must embody excellence; and those who aim to be ‘distinguished’ must live distinguished lives,” he said.