Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has
reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, alleging
that there are moves by the Federal Government to prevent him from appearing on
the ballot.
Obi made the declaration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,
during the OBIDIENT Conference and his official alignment with the African
Democratic Congress (ADC). The event, themed “Activating the PO Effect in
ADC,” drew supporters from across the country.
Addressing participants, Obi urged Nigerians to unite
in what he described as a mission to rescue the country for future generations.
He warned that decades of poor governance have placed a heavy burden on young
Nigerians, who may ultimately bear the consequences.
He claimed to have credible information that certain
forces do not want him to contest the next election. However, he insisted that
he would run regardless of the circumstances.
“I want to assure you that I will contest the coming
election even if it is held in their bedroom,” Obi said, adding that if
authorities refuse to transmit election results electronically, “we will
transmit it ourselves.”
Explaining his exit from the Labour Party, Obi
said he was informed that the party’s leadership would not be recognised by the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as long as he remained
a member. He suggested that this was part of a broader attempt to exclude him
from the ballot.
The former governor also criticised the current
administration, alleging that it has accumulated more loans than previous
governments. He expressed concern that much of the repayment burden would fall
between 2045 and 2050, long after those responsible for the borrowing have left
office.
Obi emphasised that Nigeria must “get it right” in
2027 and reiterated his support for real-time electronic transmission of
election results to enhance transparency.
Outlining his vision, he promised significant
investment in education and healthcare, arguing that nations that achieved
lasting progress did so through deliberate focus on human capital development.
He added that reducing poverty would help curb crime and insecurity.
Obi also pledged to personally visit states and higher
institutions across the country to assess challenges firsthand, stressing that
those supporting his ambition must prioritise the nation’s future over personal
interests.
On corruption, he vowed to reduce the menace
significantly, stating that ethical leadership begins with personal example.
Recalling his tenure as governor, Obi said he declined to institutionalise the
office of First Lady and maintained that neither he nor his family benefited
from government land allocations.
Also speaking at the event, OBIDIENT Movement
Worldwide Coordinator Tanko Yunusa urged supporters to mobilise nationwide
ahead of 2027 and to rally behind the ADC as the platform for political change.
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the movement, Ben Smith, called for unity
among members, warning that internal divisions could undermine their objective
of building a new Nigeria.
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