Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that he will not be intimidated by the large number of governors in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, said there have been several attempts to discourage him from joining the race, but maintained that he would not be deterred.
The former governor made the declaration in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State during an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. George Ozodinobi.
Addressing supporters at the event, Obi said Nigeria had collapsed and required urgent efforts to rebuild it.
According to him, his ambition is not driven by desperation for power but by a strong desire to see a functional Nigeria.
“Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are hungry and greedy. They have everything they need but are still scavenging for more,” he said.
He criticised what he described as increasing inequality in the country, noting that the system has become skewed against the poor.
“This country is skewed against the poor and that is why we are working to become president. We want a country where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi said.
The former governor also spoke about his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), explaining that his decision followed the leadership crisis in the Labour Party and what he described as the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise certain court judgments.
“You all know that I’m now in ADC. People have been asking me why I left LP. We have been in court in Labour Party over leadership and securing favourable judgments, but INEC refused to recognise us. When I left on December 31, they recognised the same orders they were rejecting,” he said.
Obi also alleged that recent constitutional adjustments were partly aimed at preventing him from contesting the next presidential election.
He maintained, however, that he would participate in the race regardless of political pressure.
“With their 30 governors, they should make the election free and fair and see who wins. Let them bring the ball to the middle of the field and declare the contest started, and let’s see what happens,” he said.
Obi thanked the lawmaker for organising the empowerment programme and said such initiatives underscore the importance of electing credible representatives to public office.
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
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