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Peter Obi confirms 2027 ambition, says he’ll serve only one term if elected
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Rules out alliance with Atiku, calls for coalition focused on security and economy
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Criticises Tinubu for abandoning Nigeria in crisis while holidaying abroad
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, confirming his readiness to lead a one-term administration if elected, in line with the terms of any national coalition.
Obi made the statement during a live session on X Spaces Sunday night, where he addressed questions from Nigerian citizens at home and in the diaspora. His media aide, Mr Ibrahim Umar, issued a formal statement on Monday confirming his declaration.
Obi said he is not desperate to hold office for power’s sake, but only wants to see Nigeria work again. He stressed that if the coalition agreement demands a one-term tenure, he would vacate office by May 28, 2031, without hesitation.
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“If the coalition is one term, I will leave on May 28, 2031 — not even May 29. I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said.
He emphasised that character, integrity, and responsibility must define leadership, not personal ambition or political expediency.
Obi also said he is not in any negotiation with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that his focus is not on ticket sharing but on building a team that will confront Nigeria’s major challenges—insecurity, hunger, and poverty.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians, Count me out,” he said.
‘Stabilise Nigeria in Two Years’
Obi promised to stabilise Nigeria within two years of taking office if given the opportunity, saying his leadership approach would prioritise security, education, and poverty eradication.
He also assured that his family will not be involved in government contracts or political influence, adding that his administration will channel resources to critical sectors and fight corruption from day one.
“To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty,” he said.
“Obi Attacks Tinubu’s St. Lucia Trip
Obi also used the platform to sharply criticise President Bola Tinubu for travelling abroad while the country is battling mass killings, economic hardship, and security collapse.
He described the President’s trip to St. Lucia, a Caribbean nation of just 180,000 people, as “out of touch”, stating that the President has not spent a night in any Nigerian state outside Lagos since taking office.
READ ALSO: Obi Slams Tinubu for Saint Lucia Vacation Amid Soaring Insecurity, Hunger in Nigeria
“You can’t build strong international relations when your domestic house is on fire. We’re losing lives in Niger, Benue, Zamfara and we’re gallivanting,” Obi said.
No Interest in Defections, Power Grabs
Speaking on electoral reforms, Obi said he will run a transparent and peaceful campaign in 2027, insisting that elections must be credible and that “votes must count.”
READ ALSO: Obi Slams Tinubu for Saint Lucia Vacation Amid Soaring Insecurity, Hunger in Nigeria
He said his administration would end the era of party-switching by elected officials, describing it as a betrayal of democracy.
He also reiterated his belief in power rotation between North and South, noting that he respected the principle during his time as Anambra State Governor.
Obi closed his remarks by calling for a leadership style grounded in compassion, citing personal examples of showing up at tragic sites in his home state and sharing in the pain of citizens.
