The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to run for president again in 2027.
Speaking during a live session on X Spaces on Sunday night, Obi said he is willing to serve only a single four-year term if elected.
In a statement released Monday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach, Obi dismissed rumours of a potential joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He clarified that while he is open to coalition talks, they must be centered on solving Nigeria’s critical issues.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue and Zamfara, reviving the economy, revitalising industries, and putting food on Nigerians’ tables—count me out. Nigeria is at war. We need urgent action,” he said.
Obi pledged to stabilize the country within two years of taking office and called on Nigerians to support his mission to “rescue the nation.”
“I will bring stability to Nigeria within two years in office. Nigerian leaders need to stay within the country and fix it from the inside.” He stated.
Speaking on the internal crisis within the Labour Party, Obi revealed that steps are underway to secure recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Nenadi Usman-led faction, in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling. He also reiterated his belief in the rotation of power between the North and South, noting that he implemented the same principle during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu’s reported 10-day visit to St. Lucia, calling it an example of misplaced priorities. “St. Lucia is about the size of Ilorin, Nigeria’s 10th largest city. Yet, President Tinubu hasn’t spent a single night in any Nigerian state outside Lagos since taking office. It’s unacceptable,” he said.
He also condemned what he described as a leadership disconnect, adding, “People are dying in Benue, Borno, and other parts of the country, while our leaders are commissioning bus stops and holidaying.”
Regarding his 2027 campaign, Obi said it would take a different, non-violent approach with a strong focus on transparency. “We will do things differently in 2027. We will follow a non-violent approach and insist that the right thing is done before any result is announced in Abuja. Our votes will count, and we will ensure they count,” he said.
He outlined his priorities for the first 100 days in office: security, education, and poverty reduction. He also promised that public funds would be channeled into critical sectors and vowed that his family would not be involved in corruption.
“There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge. We need strong opposition parties, not leaders who jump ship for personal gain,” he stated.
Obi called for a new standard of responsible governance and integrity, pledging to cut the cost of governance and begin fighting corruption from his first day in office.
“My past speaks loudly for me. Wherever there was an issue in Anambra State, I was there personally. Anyone who wants to lead must be ready to put their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians. No country will take us seriously if we don’t build a stable and accountable government,” he said.
