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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has alleged that the government is working to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that such moves will not stop his political ambitions.
Obi made the claim on Friday while speaking at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination. I’m rather focused on the fruitfulness of the destination, and that is what keeps me going,” Obi said.
Obi’s remarks came in response to a High Court judgement in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Describing the judgement as “another setback for our democracy,” Obi maintained it would not derail his political aspirations .
“They cannot stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you, it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy, and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt the society,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also challenged President Bola Tinubu and other presidential hopefuls to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria.
“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” he said.
Obi told students that his interest in the presidency was driven by a desire to rebuild the country rather than by personal ambition.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. Vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” he said.
He added that his vision was for a Nigeria where opportunities are available to all citizens, regardless of ethnic background.
“It is not about Igbo people, but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North,” Obi said.
