Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has confirmed he will contest the 2027 presidential election, assuring supporters that he is committed to serving only a single four-year term if elected.
Speaking during a live X (formerly Twitter) session on Sunday night, Obi emphasized his readiness to make personal sacrifices for the nation’s future, noting that “if there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to four years in office, I will comply with the agreement and be ready to leave office by May 28, 2031.”
Dispelling rumours of a possible joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi stated unequivocally that he has not engaged in any discussions along those lines. “We are still in the right part of LP and still pursuing the recognition of our leadership in LP by INEC,” he clarified, adding that the ongoing internal party leadership struggle was being addressed through legal and institutional channels.
Obi admitted to being part of coalition talks but stressed that his involvement was based on shared patriotic values. “If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara… how to make our industries productive… count me out,” he declared. He maintained that any alliance he joins must prioritize security, economic revival, and food security for Nigerians.
Addressing national security, Obi said Nigeria is in a “state of war” and that restoring peace would be his first task. “The more the country is secured, the more farmers will go to their farms,” he noted. He pledged to restore national stability within two years of assuming office, asserting that “leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria.”
Commenting on governance under the current administration, Obi criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent 10-day visit to St. Lucia, describing it as a misplaced priority. “In two years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria, apart from Lagos,” Obi observed, comparing the Caribbean island to Ajegunle and questioning the president’s focus.
Obi outlined key priorities for his potential administration, pledging to focus on security, education, and poverty eradication within the first 100 days. He vowed to reduce the cost of governance and fight corruption, stating: “My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds will be channelled into key critical sectors.” He also promised to uphold political discipline by preventing elected officials from defecting to other parties.
Reaffirming his belief in inclusive governance, Obi backed the rotational presidency between North and South, recalling his adherence to the principle while serving as governor of Anambra State. “I implemented it in Anambra,” he said, reiterating that political leadership must be built on fairness, accountability, and national unity.
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