Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that elements within the Federal Government are working to prevent him from appearing on the ballot for the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the claim on Friday while speaking at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, according to Daily Post.
Claiming that efforts were underway to block his participation in the next general election, the former Anambra State governor said he remained undeterred.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.
“I’m rather focused on the fruitfulness of the destination, and that is what keeps me going,” he said.
Obi also challenged all prospective presidential candidates, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for the country.
“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” he said.
Addressing the students, Obi said his presidential ambition was driven by a desire to transform the country rather than personal ambition.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigeria’s President but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. I’m not contesting because I’m an Igbo man; vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” he said.
He added, “It is not about the Igbo people. I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that works. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North.”
On insecurity, Obi said his administration would prioritise restoring safety across the country.
“I will fight to make Nigeria better and end the criminality in Nigeria. There is insecurity across the entire country, and everyone is affected. I want to build a country that works,” he said.
Reacting to the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party, Obi insisted the development would not derail his political ambition.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy, and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt the society.
“The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are bent on holding Nigeria down, do not want it to work. But I can assure you it will work. I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain peaceful despite what he described as attempts to undermine the country’s democratic process.
“Nowhere is safe in Nigeria today, yet the people who should help salvage the country are bent on hurting our democracy. My message to all those who mean well for Nigeria, not just my supporters, is for us to remain peaceful and continue to resist this tragedy being imposed on Nigeria,” Obi added.
