Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has restated his commitment to run for president in the 2027 general election, dismissing rumours that he might accept a vice-presidential slot under former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any other candidate.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, Obi addressed questions about his political ambition, strategic alliances, and vision for Nigeria’s future.
“Nobody has ever discussed with me whether to be A or B or C,” Obi said. “I am going to contest for the President of Nigeria, and I believe I’m qualified.”
Amid discussions about the new opposition coalition which recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for the 2027 elections, Obi was asked why he decided to align with politicians—some of whom are seen as part of previous failed administrations. In response, the former Anambra State governor stressed that effective governance would require input from both successful and failed leaders.
“In fact even some who have been in that (failed) government, their experience is critical.
“I can tell you one of the major companies in the world hired two people who have worked in failed companies because they can tell you why they failed,” he said.
“You need the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded to move on, and I need everyone. It is a critical experience because they know what can fail a system and they know what was wrong with the system.”
Addressing speculation that his involvement in the ADC-backed opposition coalition amounted to abandoning the Labour Party, Obi clarified that his commitment to the party remains firm. He explained that his participation is part of a broader collaboration strategy and not a case of anti-party activity.
“There is nothing anti-party in the decision,” he explained. “We are not abandoning where we are. We are going there together. What is constant is that we have agreed to work together.”
Obi emphasized the importance of inclusiveness in national leadership, defending his engagement with a wide range of political actors.
“The job of a leader is to change,” he said. “You need everybody. If you want to serve, you must serve everybody.”
He also took aim at the administration of President Bola Tinubu, criticizing its leadership and pledging to provide Nigerians with a more competent and disciplined government if elected.
“We’re going to ensure that we remove Tinubu’s government by all lawful means. I will govern within the law, I will bring civility to Nigeria, and I will appoint competent people into office. I will not be Minister of Petroleum.”
Speaking on the concerns of the northern region, Obi called on people in Northern Nigeria to place their trust in him by supporting his 2027 bid. He highlighted the region’s vast agricultural potential and promised to address the persistent insecurity plaguing the area.
“The biggest asset of this country is in the North, the uncultivated land in the North.
“The criminality we face in the North today, I will deal with it. If I am president, the North will celebrate me. I have an idea of the problem in the North,” he added.
