Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has confirmed he will contest again in the 2027 general elections. However, he said it will likely be his final attempt at becoming Nigeria’s president.
He made this known in a 7-minute, 16-second video that has gone viral among Labour Party supporters on WhatsApp. In the video, Obi spoke informally to a group of young Nigerians, sharing his plans and concerns about the future of Nigeria’s politics.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said that by the time of the next elections in 2027, he would be 65 years old. According to him, this age marks a natural point to step back from contesting for public office.
“I believe we should have a retirement age for politicians,” he said. “By 2027, I will be 65. If the presidency goes back to the North in 2031, it may not return to the South until 2039 — by then, I will be 77. I wouldn’t want to run for office at that age. It would make a mess of everything.”
Obi Says He Will Always Support Youth-Led Transformation
Even though he plans to step aside after 2027, Obi reassured young Nigerians that he would continue to support genuine efforts for national development and reforms.
“Even if I’m not contesting, I will always support those of you who are committed to real change, with whatever resources I can provide,” he said.
Obi told his young audience to stay hopeful and focused, stressing that their energy and ideas are vital to Nigeria’s transformation.
He reminded them that any move towards real reform would be resisted by those who benefit from the current system.
“Voters must defend their votes. The people who benefit from the current system will resist any reform,” Obi stated.
He encouraged the youth to be involved in the democratic process, not just by voting, but by demanding accountability from those in power.
Government Is Causing Confusion in Opposition Parties — Obi
Peter Obi also spoke about the internal struggles facing both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He blamed the ruling government for deliberately fuelling these internal crises.
“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere,” Obi said confidently.
According to him, these actions are not accidental but are calculated attempts to weaken opposition parties and reduce their chances of challenging the ruling party.
He compared the situation today to past events, mentioning how former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua once ensured stability within parties by discouraging interference from government agencies.
“Back then, I went to President Yar’Adua. He called the INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, and said he didn’t want any issues in any political party. The problems were fixed. But today, every party is facing one crisis or another — and it is deliberate.”
Obi warned that Nigeria’s democracy cannot succeed if opposition parties remain in constant turmoil. He promised to address these issues if given the opportunity to lead the country.
Obi Reaffirms Loyalty to Labour Party Amid Talk of Coalitions
Responding to questions about a possible coalition among opposition parties, Peter Obi confirmed that he is not planning to join any other platform. He will remain in the Labour Party.
“I will continue to run in the Labour Party, as I am still a member,” he declared.
His statement puts to rest speculations about him working with other opposition groups to form a united political front ahead of 2027.
Obi admitted that the Labour Party, like other political parties, has had its own internal problems. But he believes that those issues were made worse by external pressure from people in power.
Despite the challenges, he urged Nigerians not to give up hope. He said strong political participation and informed citizens are key to a better Nigeria.
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