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The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian youths to translate their passion for European football into political engagement.
Obi argues that good governance is the foundation for developing the country’s own football and other sectors.
In a post on X on Saturday, Obi said Nigerian youths spend weekends watching European leagues and admiring the organisation, discipline and excellence that make them successful, while questioning why Nigeria cannot achieve the same.
“The answer is not a lack of talent. Nigeria has produced world-class footballers who have excelled in Europe because they found systems that reward merit, invest in infrastructure, ensure security, and are governed with competence and accountability,” Obi said.
“Great football does not exist in isolation. It grows where there is good governance.”
Obi said the stadiums, academies, transport systems, healthcare, security, electricity and institutions that support football are products of leaders who make the right choices and citizens who insist on accountability.
“Nigeria has the talent. What we have lacked is leadership that creates an enabling environment for that talent to flourish,” he said.
He said he would spend the next 150 days engaging Nigerian youths “wherever they gather—in town halls, campuses, online spaces, and even football communities” with a simple message: “The future you admire in Europe can be built in Nigeria. But it starts with your vote.”
Obi framed the 2027 presidential election as an opportunity for Nigerian youths to choose the kind of country they want.
“Cheer for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, AC Milan, or any club you support. Enjoy every match. But when the final whistle blows, remember that the greatest match awaiting Nigerian youths is not in Europe. It is in Nigeria,” he said.
“It is the match for good governance. It is the match for jobs, security, education, sports development, and national renewal. And unlike football, where only twenty-two players are on the pitch, every Nigerian youth has a place in this match.”
Obi urged young Nigerians to “Stand up. Mobilise. Vote. Defend your vote.”
“If Nigerian youths can passionately follow European football every weekend, they can also passionately build a Nigeria where our own football—and our nation—becomes a source of pride,” he said.
He announced that he would provide weekly reminders leading up to January 16, 2027, saying: “We can create world-class standards right here at home.”
“It’s in your hands, and that new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded, using his signature campaign slogan.
