Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially announced his bid for the 2027 presidential election, pledging to serve only one term if elected.
During a live session on X Spaces with supporters from both within Nigeria and abroad, Obi made his intentions clear. In a follow-up statement from his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi dismissed rumors about running alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. However, he expressed willingness to consider alliances—as long as they are focused on solving pressing national issues.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… Count me out. Nigeria is currently at war. We need to do something about it,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor pledged to restore national stability within his first two years in office and urged citizens to support his mission to rebuild the country.
“I will bring stability in Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria,” he added.
Addressing the internal division within the Labour Party, Obi confirmed that efforts are underway to secure INEC’s recognition for the Nenadi Usman-led faction, in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling.
On zoning and power rotation, Obi voiced his support, highlighting his track record.
“I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.”
He criticized President Bola Tinubu for his frequent international trips, especially his visit to St. Lucia, calling it ill-timed and tone-deaf amid the nation’s insecurity.
“St Lucia is about the size of the 10th largest city in Nigeria, Ilorin. President Tinubu has never spent a night in any Nigerian state outside Lagos since assuming office in 2023. Now, he’s spending 10 days in St Lucia,” Obi said.
Obi vowed that his 2027 campaign would be peaceful, transparent, and focused on ensuring electoral credibility.
“We will do things differently in 2027. We will follow a non-violent approach and insist that the right thing is done before results are announced in Abuja. Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will ensure they count.”
He outlined his top priorities for his first 100 days: security, education, and reducing poverty. He also promised that his administration would be free from corruption, with no role for family in public funds.
Additionally, Obi stated that he would take firm action against party defections by elected officials.
“There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge,” he said.
Criticizing the current administration, Obi expressed dismay over its misplaced priorities.
“Imagine in this country, people are dying in Benue, Borno, and other parts of Nigeria, and our leaders are commissioning bus stops and holidaying,” Obi lamented.
He closed by emphasizing the need for principled leadership and public trust.
“To bring order to governance, I will prioritise security, education, and pulling people out of poverty. That means cutting the cost of governance and tackling corruption from day one.
“My past speaks for me. Whenever there was a crisis in Anambra State, I was there physically. Anyone who wants to serve should be ready to put their life on the line for Nigerians. Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government,” Obi concluded.