Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that he will not be intimidated by the growing political strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, made the declaration while addressing supporters during an event in Njikoka on Friday.
The former governor said that despite what he described as several attempts to discourage him from contesting the presidency, he remained determined to participate in the next election.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing serious socio-economic challenges and urgently requires leadership capable of restoring stability and progress.
“Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are hungry and greedy. They have everything they need, but are still scavenging for more,” he said.
Obi stated that his ambition to run for the presidency was not driven by personal desperation but by his desire to see the country function effectively and provide equal opportunities for all citizens.
“I have always said that I am not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I am desperate to see a Nigeria that works,” he added.
The former governor also addressed questions surrounding his recent political alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to him, his decision to leave the Labour Party followed prolonged leadership disputes within the party.
Obi claimed that although court rulings had favoured his faction during the legal battle, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially refused to recognise the judgements.
He further alleged that some political manoeuvres and constitutional adjustments were aimed at preventing him from contesting the 2027 election.
“You see all the things they have been tinkering with in the constitution; some of them are because they do not want me to contest,” he said.
Obi also dismissed concerns about the numerical advantage of the APC, which currently controls several state governments across the country.
“With their 30 governors, they should make the election free and fair and see who wins,” he said.
Reaffirming his determination, Obi declared that no political pressure or opposition would stop him from participating in the race.
“I want to announce to you all that no matter what they do, I must contest the election. Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the middle of the field and declare it started, and let’s see what happens,” he added.
