Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has assured his supporters of his determination to contest the 2027 presidential election, pledging to overcome any political barriers to appear on the ballot.
Obi made the declaration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the OBIDIENT Conference and official unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a political platform, themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.” He called on Nigerians to join him in what he described as a mission to rescue the country for future generations, warning that decades of poor governance could have lasting consequences.
The former governor alleged that he had credible information suggesting the Federal Government was not interested in seeing him contest the next election, but insisted nothing would stop his ambition. According to him, he would run “even if the election is held in their bedroom,” adding that election results must be transmitted electronically in real time to ensure transparency.
Exit From Labour Party
Explaining his departure from the Labour Party, Obi said he was informed that as long as he remained in the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission would not recognise its leadership, which he claimed could jeopardise his chances of appearing on the ballot.
Obi stressed that Nigeria must “get it right” in 2027, promising heavy investment in education and healthcare if elected. He argued that nations that achieved sustainable development did so through deliberate investment in human capital and pledged to prioritise poverty reduction as a strategy to curb crime.
He also vowed to tour all parts of the country and higher institutions to understand citizens’ challenges firsthand, stating that his mission is to help fix Nigeria while he still has the strength to undertake the task.
On corruption, Obi promised to significantly reduce the menace, saying leadership by example would cut corruption by at least 60 percent. He cited his tenure as Anambra governor, noting he neither acquired government land nor allowed his family to benefit improperly from public office.
Speaking at the event, OBIDIENT Movement Worldwide Coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, urged Nigerians to mobilise nationwide for the 2027 elections using ADC as a platform for political transformation. Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the movement, Ben Smith, called for unity among members, warning that internal divisions could derail their vision of a new Nigeria.