The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he can transform Nigeria’s trajectory within four years if elected president in 2027.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi confirmed that he would contest the 2027 presidential election, assuring supporters that his name would be on the ballot.
“I am contesting, and I am certain I’ll be on the ballot,” he said. “People must consider who has the capacity and competence. I believe I am qualified and capable of the task. In four years, I can change Nigeria’s trajectory in a positive direction.”
Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in 2023, is now part of an opposition coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, sparking speculation about his political alignment for 2027.
However, he reaffirmed his membership of the Labour Party, saying he remains committed to working with other opposition leaders to rescue Nigeria from poor governance.
When asked about rumours of a possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi replied, “All of us must unite as one people. To do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning Nigerians must come together now to rescue it.”
He expressed concern that political manoeuvring had overshadowed issues affecting millions of poor Nigerians, questioning why the plight of over 139 million people living in poverty was not the centre of national discussion.
On the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Obi criticised the trend, likening it to an era of political coercion.
“We are not in military times when you capture people,” he said, referring to the recent defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri.
Describing Governor Mbah as a good friend, Obi said he believed Mbah’s decision was based on personal political judgment.
The former Anambra State governor dismissed claims that the South-East could be “captured” politically, insisting that leadership in a democracy should be driven by persuasion rather than force.