Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is making efforts to prevent him from participating in the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that such attempts will not succeed.
Obi made the allegation while speaking at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State.
According to him, despite the challenges confronting his political ambition, he remains resolute in pursuing his presidential bid.
“If I tell you about what I am going through today, I won’t be here. Today, everything is being done to ensure that Peter Obi won’t be on the ballot next year.
“But I tell you, they won’t succeed. We are determined because if you live where there is no obstacle, then you don’t have the political will to change the society. It is the obstacle that strengthens leaders.
“I know that for me to get there, I must surmount obstacles. Things will be difficult, but determination is what will take us there. The important thing is for me to reach my destination,” he said.
Obi also encouraged eligible Nigerians to register to vote and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing the importance of taking part in the electoral process.
“If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future,” he said.
The former governor insisted that his presidential ambition is driven by competence rather than ethnicity.
“I am contesting the presidential election not because I am an Igbo man, but because I am competent. Of all those contesting for president, I am the most qualified,” he said.
Obi also challenged other presidential hopefuls, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for the country.
“I challenge any of them to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including the incumbent president. I want to change Nigeria,” he said.