Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has confirmed his intention to contest for Nigeria’s presidency again in 2027.
Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Obi dismissed recent speculation suggesting he would serve as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “I’m going to contest for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” he declared.
Obi, who was Governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party despite his involvement in a newly formed opposition coalition operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He clarified that his participation in the alliance was not a sign of disloyalty, nor an indication of shifting political allegiance.
“This is not in play,” Obi said, referring to rumours of a potential vice-presidential ticket with Atiku. “Nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things. Nobody has ever discussed with me whether I am going to be A or B or C.”
He defended his collaboration with the coalition, explaining that the goal was to unite opposition forces in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. According to Obi, leading a complex nation like Nigeria requires collective strength and experience.
“I need people who have failed and succeeded before. You don’t lead a complex country like Nigeria alone,” he said.
The coalition, unveiled last Wednesday, includes several prominent political figures, among them Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, and former APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun.
