The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has assured his supporters of his readiness to contest the 2027 elections. He made the declaration on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the OBIDIENT Conference and the official launch of his campaign in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.”
Obi urged Nigerians to unite in rescuing the country for future generations, warning that decades of mismanagement will burden those yet to come. He alleged that the Federal Government does not want him to contest, but vowed to participate even if the elections were “held figuratively in their bedroom.”
The former Anambra State governor also criticised the current administration for accumulating massive debt, noting that much of it would only be repaid between 2045 and 2050, long after the officials responsible have left office.
Exit from Labour Party
On leaving the Labour Party, Obi said, “Democracy must work. I left Labour Party when I was informed that as long as I remained, INEC would not recognise its leadership and that the Federal Government didn’t want me on the ballot. But I want to assure you, I will contest the coming election, even if it holds in their bedroom and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them.”
Obi stressed that Nigeria must get it right in 2027, calling for election results to be transmitted online in real time.
Policy priorities
He assured that his administration would prioritise education and healthcare, citing global examples where intentional investment in education propelled nations to greatness. Obi also pledged to fight poverty to reduce criminality and promised a decisive campaign against corruption, estimating it could be reduced by 60 percent if leaders and their families abstain from it.
“When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget the office of First Lady because we were not elected together. I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy for government lands, but have none for myself or my family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority,” he added.
Obi vowed to tour the entire country and visit higher institutions to understand real challenges on the ground, emphasising that his mission is to fix Nigeria now that he has the strength and capacity to do so.
Mobilising support
Addressing participants, the coordinator of the Obidient Movement worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, urged Nigerians to mobilise across the country for the 2027 elections, backing the ADC as the vehicle for national transformation.
Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Ben Smith, called for unity among supporters, warning that divisions or factions could derail the dream of a new Nigeria.
