Trending 
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has confirmed that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing speculation that he would serve as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate.
“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified,” Obi said during an interview on Sunday Politics.
When asked about a potential vice-presidential bid alongside Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi replied, “That’s not in play. Nobody has ever discussed that with me.”
Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, affirmed his membership of the Labour Party while emphasising his participation in the ADC-led opposition coalition, formed to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“I’m part of the coalition committed to producing a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” he said.
‘Just Four Years Needed’
Obi said he only needs four years to steer Nigeria back on course.
“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance,” he declared.
He argued that the damage done in two years can be reversed in the same amount of time, stating,
“People want to see a president who cares, who shows compassion.”
Obi: ADC Coalition Is Not Anti-Party
Despite his active role in the opposition coalition, Obi insisted that his involvement is not an act of disloyalty to the Labour Party.
“There is no anti-party activity. Remember, we are planning for 2027. Today, I am a Labour Party member and I remain in the Labour Party,” he said.
He explained that the coalition, which includes notable politicians like Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and David Mark, adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its joint platform for 2027.
“We want better governance, competent leadership, and a government with character and capacity,” Obi added.
On Critics: ‘We Need Experience – Success and Failure Alike’
Responding to criticisms that the coalition comprises “expired” politicians, Obi said:
“Even those who’ve been part of failed administrations bring valuable experience. They know what went wrong. That’s critical to moving forward.”
He cited global companies that recruit from failed ventures, noting the importance of understanding both success and failure.
The coalition’s strategy is grounded in the combined electoral strength of Atiku and Obi in 2023, when they jointly secured over 12 million votes—more than four million votes ahead of Tinubu’s declared tally.
With Nigeria’s economic challenges, record inflation, and high cost of living under Tinubu’s administration, Obi and his allies believe their coalition offers a credible alternative ahead of the next election cycle.
