Peter Obi reaffirms 2027 Presidential ambition, pledges one-term presidency
Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has once again assured his supporters, both in Nigeria and abroad, that he will contest the 2027 presidential election. He also reaffirmed his commitment to serve only one term if elected.
“I am not involved in any discussions about a joint ticket, including with Atiku,” the former Anambra State Governor said. “However, if there’s an agreement that limits my tenure to four years, I will honour it and step down on May 28, 2031.”
Speaking during an X (formerly Twitter) Space session on Sunday night, Obi emphasized his continued engagement in coalition talks aimed at uniting patriotic Nigerians to salvage the country.
He made it clear that his participation in any alliance would be solely to address the pressing issues plaguing Nigeria.
“If it’s not about ending the killings in Benue and Zamfara, reviving the economy, restoring productivity to our industries, and ensuring Nigerians can afford basic needs, count me out,” Obi stated. “Nigeria is in crisis, and we must act urgently.”
Obi urged citizens to join him in what he called a national rescue mission. “Give me two years, and I’ll bring stability to Nigeria,” he pledged. “Nigeria’s leaders must stay within the country to solve the country’s problems.”
On developments within the Labour Party, Obi said efforts were ongoing to get the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led leadership, in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Addressing the issue of power rotation, Obi reaffirmed his belief in the equitable distribution of leadership between Nigeria’s North and South. “I practiced this principle as governor in Anambra and I stand by it.”
Obi also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s travel habits, particularly his trip to St. Lucia. “Tinubu has not spent a night in any Nigerian state outside Lagos since becoming president. Now he’s off to spend eight nights in St. Lucia, which is no bigger than Ajegunle or Ilorin,” Obi criticized.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Obi promised a new approach. “We will insist on transparency before any result is announced in Abuja. Our votes must count, and they will.”
He laid out his priorities for the first 100 days in office: enhancing security, improving education, and eradicating poverty. “I will cut down the cost of governance and eliminate corruption. My family will not be part of any corrupt practices,” he vowed.
Obi further pledged to strengthen party politics by promoting a vibrant opposition and preventing elected officials from defecting to other parties under his leadership.
“In this country, people are dying in places like Benue and Borno, while leaders are busy cutting ribbons at bus stops or going on vacations,” he lamented. “We must restore order by focusing on security, education, and lifting people out of poverty.”
Reflecting on his past as governor, Obi said: “My record in Anambra is clear. Whenever there was a crisis, I was physically present. Leadership requires sacrifice – even risking one’s life for the good of the people.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of stability: “No serious nation abroad will take us seriously without stable governance.”
