Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has declared he will contest again in 2027, promising to stabilise Nigeria within two years if elected.
Speaking during a widely attended XSpace session tagged #PeterObiOnParallelFacts, Obi told his supporters, “I will bring stability to Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria.”
Over 10,000 listeners tuned in live, with thousands more engaging through comments. Obi made it clear that if he becomes president, he will adopt a radically different approach to governance from day one.
“We will do things differently in 2027. We will follow a non-violent approach and insist that the right thing will be done before the result announcement in Abuja,” he said. “Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will ensure they count.”
Promises of Swift Impact
Obi laid out his vision for the first 100 days in office, saying his priorities will be security, education, and poverty eradication. He vowed to eliminate waste in government and tackle corruption decisively.
“Three things to follow up with in the first 100 days… prioritise on security, education and poverty eradication; cut costs and shun corruption. My family will not be involved in corruption,” he assured. “Funds will be channelled into key critical sectors.”
According to Obi, “To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty. That’s how to move forward—cutting the cost of governance and fighting corruption from day one.”
On Zoning and Coalition Talks
Obi also spoke on the issue of power rotation and a possible coalition in 2027. He said he is open to serving only one term and handing over to a northern candidate in 2031.
“If the agreement is one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031 — not even May 29. I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to political zoning, saying, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.”
He also clarified his stance on coalitions, stating that any alliance must be focused on national transformation, not personal ambition.
“If the coalition is about sharing tickets and power for its sake, count me out,” he declared. “I want a coalition that stops the killings in Borno, puts food on people’s tables, and gets our industries working.”
Tinubu’s Travels and Misplaced Priorities
Obi sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to St. Lucia, calling it a symbol of disconnection from the nation’s pressing challenges.
“In two years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, yet he is going to spend 8 nights in St. Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle,” Obi said.
He added, “You can’t build strong international relations when your domestic house is on fire.” Comparing the size of St. Lucia to Nigerian cities, he pointed out, “St. Lucia is about the size of Ilorin, Nigeria’s 10th largest city.”
Obi lamented that over 59 days had already been spent abroad by Tinubu this year, while the country battles mass killings, insecurity, and economic decline.
“We’re losing lives in Niger, Benue, Zamfara… and we’re gallivanting. You can’t travel around the world when people are being buried at home. Leaders must stay and lead from the front.”
Obi’s Leadership Philosophy
The former governor emphasized compassion, humility, and proximity to the people as the heart of leadership.
“My past speaks loudly for me. Wherever there was an issue in Anambra State, I was there physically. Anybody who wants to serve should be ready to put even their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians.”
He cited instances from his time in office where he personally attended funerals and disaster scenes, saying, “Leadership is not about flying jets. It’s about compassion.”
He criticised the current administration’s detachment, saying, “If 17 soldiers die in Niger and the president is commissioning parties in Lagos, we’ve lost our humanity.”
Obi concluded with a firm reminder about Nigeria’s image globally: “Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to building strong democratic institutions and ensuring a vibrant opposition in party politics.
“My presidency will ensure there is a strong opposition in party politics. There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge.”
“I don’t want to be president to decorate my CV. I want to show that leadership can be different — and effective.”
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