Labour Party‘s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has confirmed that he will contest for the office of the President of Nigeria in 2027.
Speaking during an explosive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Obi dismissed rumours that he would be running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” Obi said firmly.
When asked whether he was considering becoming a vice-presidential candidate, Obi replied, “This is not in play; nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things. Nobody has ever discussed with me whether I am going to be A or B or C.”
He made it clear that while he remains a vibrant member of the Labour Party, he is also an active participant in the coalition formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“I am part of the coalition which will be able to produce a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” he said.
Obi Pledges to Govern with Compassion
Obi made bold promises regarding the length of time he would need to make a positive difference in Nigeria.
“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance,” he said.
He believes that despite the deep economic and political damage caused in recent years, effective leadership in two years could already begin to reverse Nigeria’s woes.
“In two years, there has been maximum damage. Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president that cares, that shows compassion,” Obi said.
The former governor of Anambra State accused President Bola Tinubu of being indifferent to the suffering of Nigerians.
“People want to get up and see a president that cares, a president that shows compassion,” he insisted.
“Today we have a country without compassion. Leadership without compassion does not exist. It is a minus. It is not good for a country.”
Criticisms of Tinubu’s Leadership
Obi pointed to two events to illustrate his claims of a compassionless presidency. First was Tinubu’s choice to spend the 2024 Christmas holiday in Lagos rather than visiting Ibadan where a tragic stampede claimed the lives of several children.
“There is no compassion; people lost their children who will lead this country in the future, and he went on a Christmas holiday,” Obi said.
He also criticised Tinubu’s response to the attack in Yelwata, Benue State.
“He went to Benue but failed to reach Yelwata where the attack happened,” he noted, adding that the excuse of bad roads and floods was unacceptable for a leader.
Coalition with ADC and Labour Party Loyalty
Peter Obi affirmed his commitment to the ADC-led coalition while reiterating that he is still a member of the Labour Party.
“No, there is no anti-party. Remember, we said for 2027. We are not in 2027; we are in 2025. It’s clear. We’ve adopted it for 2027. So, if I say I am going to be part of your dinner in the evening, that doesn’t mean I should abandon my breakfast and lunch,” he said.
“Today, I am a Labour Party member. I remain in the Labour Party. But we have all agreed to work as a coalition for the 2027 election, and for that, we’ve adopted ADC. Going on, other parties, other individuals will also come in,” Obi said.
“We want better governance for this country. We want to see a more competent government with capacity and character,” he continued.
“This coalition might have other parties as it happened in the past, and change the name of the party. I am a member of this (Labour Party) and I am going to work with this group.”
Northern Nigeria Will Celebrate Me — Obi
The former Anambra governor said he expects to receive overwhelming support from the North if he becomes president.
“I want them to trust me. The biggest asset of this country is in the north, the uncultivated lands in the north. The criminality we face in the north today, I will deal with it,” Obi stated.
“If I am president, the North will celebrate me. I have an idea of the problem.”
He said the region’s vast, unused arable land and high population should be transformed into productive strengths.
“We have voted for incompetence, we’ve voted for tribe, (and) we’ve voted for religion; let’s vote for competence,” he urged.
Obi Vows to Use Resources Wisely
Obi pledged to reduce government waste if elected.
“If I become president, I will use resources effectively. I cannot say: ‘buy a new jet’,” he said, referring to reports of extravagant government spending.
“I don’t need one because I can go anywhere without a jet. I will not use ₦150bn to buy a jet when 80% of primary healthcare centres are not functioning.”
“I was a governor, and for my first four years, I drove 406. For the rest of it, I didn’t drive bulletproof cars. Nobody will try to kill you if you do the right thing. It is when you do the wrong thing that you fear death,” Obi said.
“If your people are dying, you should be ready to die. The president should also be ready to die.”
Obi Embrace Old and New Political Leaders
Obi defended his collaboration with politicians from previous administrations, including those regarded as part of Nigeria’s failed governance history.
“In fact, even some who have been in that government, their experience is critical,” he said.
He argued that their insight into past failures could help prevent future mistakes.
“I can tell you one of the major companies in the world hired two people who have worked in failed companies because they can tell you why they failed.”
“You need the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded to move on, and I need everyone. It is a critical experience because they know what can fail a system and they know what was wrong with the system.”
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