By Patrick Idowu
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, ending months of speculation about his political future.
He also dismissed widespread rumours of a planned alliance or joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking during a live interactive session on X (formerly Twitter), on Sunday night, Obi confirmed that he is ready to run and is open to serving only a single four-year term, if elected, to reposition the country.
In a statement released Monday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former Anambra State governor emphasized that he is only interested in coalitions built around rescuing Nigeria, not personal political deals.
“If the coalition is not about stopping killings, reviving the economy, making industries productive, or putting food on the table for Nigerians, count me out,” Obi said. “Nigeria is at war with poverty, insecurity, and bad governance. We need to act.”
Obi also promised a different approach to the 2027 election, pledging non-violence, transparency, and accountability. He stressed that votes must count and would be protected.
He listed security, education, and poverty eradication as top priorities within his first 100 days, vowing to cut the cost of governance, tackle corruption, and keep his family out of public funds.
On the Labour Party crisis, Obi revealed that efforts are ongoing to get INEC to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led leadership, following the Supreme Court’s decision.
He also reaffirmed his support for power rotation, which he implemented during his time as governor.
Taking a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, Obi criticised the President’s reported extended visit to St Lucia, saying, “In two years, Tinubu has not spent a night outside Lagos, yet he’s holidaying abroad while Nigerians are suffering.”
Obi’s renewed declaration signals a fresh momentum for his political movement and a continued challenge to the status quo as 2027 approaches.
