Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s standard-bearer in Nigeria’s last presidential election, has announced plans to run for president again in 2027, firmly rejecting rumours that he might stand as a deputy to the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking during a televised interview on Sunday, Obi declared, “I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it.”
Asked whether he had considered becoming Atiku’s running mate for the forthcoming election, Obi responded, “Nobody has ever discussed that with me. People speculate, but there is no such arrangement.”
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, reiterated his loyalty to the Labour Party, despite actively collaborating with other opposition leaders under the ADC-led coalition. This alliance aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to seek re-election in 2027.
“I am part of the coalition to deliver a president who can govern with compassion and competence,” he said, adding that a single four-year term would be enough to set Nigeria on the right path. “I don’t need more than four years to start meaningful reform,” he insisted.
The coalition, formalised on 2 July 2025, includes key figures such as Atiku Abubakar, former Senate president David Mark, ex-ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. Together, they plan to harness the momentum from the 2023 elections, in which Atiku and Obi amassed over 12 million votes combined—surpassing Tinubu’s tally.
Obi dismissed criticism that the coalition consists of outdated political actors, arguing that their experience remains critical. “Even those from failed administrations can identify what went wrong and help prevent similar mistakes,” he explained.
He also rejected claims of disloyalty to his party. “We’re still two years away from the election. Today, I am a Labour Party member, but we have agreed to adopt the ADC for 2027. This isn’t anti-party; it’s about building a credible alternative for Nigerians.”
Highlighting the coalition’s long-term goal, Obi concluded: “We want a government defined by competence, integrity, and empathy. Other parties and leaders are welcome to join our mission to deliver better governance.”
