Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, has reaffirmed his intention to contest again in 2027 under the same party.
In a video that went viral on social media Saturday, Obi addressed supporters and firmly stated, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” when asked about his political plans for the next general election.
The former Anambra State governor also used the opportunity to critique the Nigerian government, attributing internal crises within major political parties, including the Labour Party and the PDP, to state interference.
Responding to a concerned youth who questioned his seeming silence on internal party conflicts, Obi said, “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government, quote me anywhere.” He recalled a past experience under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, saying, “We had a problem in our party before… I went to him then; he called the INEC chairman (Prof. Maurice Iwu) and told him I don’t want any problem in any party. We were forced to fix it.”
According to Obi, today’s political instability is no coincidence but a result of systemic manipulation. “These are deliberate problems caused by the system,” he stated. “These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity. Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition.”
He further urged Nigerians to play an active role in protecting the electoral process, emphasizing that while political agents are employed to defend votes, the real power lies with the electorate.
Obi also encouraged young Nigerians and voters at large not to lose hope. “Positive change will be resisted by those who benefit from the current dysfunction,” he warned, stressing that perseverance is key to overcoming entrenched interests.
He ended on a personal note, suggesting there should be an age limit for political candidates. Pointing out that he would be 65 years old by the next election, he remarked that he has no intention of contesting into his 70s.
