Obi: I’ll run in 2027 presidential race — regardless of attempts to stop me

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, says he will contest the 2027 presidential election despite what he described as efforts to prevent his participation.

Obi spoke at the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration event of the African Democratic Congress in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

The former presidential candidate, who recently defected to the ADC, said he left the Labour Party after being told that the Independent National Electoral Commission would not recognise the party’s leadership while he remained a member.

“I left LP when I was informed that as long as I stayed in the party, INEC would not recognise its leadership and that the federal government did not want me on the ballot,” he said.

Obi reaffirmed his resolve to take part in the next election.

“I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them for them,” he said.

He also criticised the borrowing profile of the current administration, saying it has accumulated more loans than previous governments, with repayment timelines stretching between 2045 and 2050.

According to him, his administration would focus on investing in education and healthcare, stressing that long term development depends on building human capital.

Reflecting on his time in office, Obi said he discouraged his wife from assuming the role of First Lady because she was not elected.

“I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy on government land but had none for myself or my family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority,” he said.

Tanko Yunusa, coordinator of the Obidient Movement worldwide, urged supporters to begin mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls and back the ADC.

Ben Smith, the Akwa Ibom state coordinator of the movement, described the election as a chance for generational change, saying it should focus on jobs for young people, improved security, workers’ dignity and renewed hope for Nigerians.