Former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election, saying alleged efforts to sideline him will not deter his ambition.
He made the declaration at the OBIDIENT Conference and formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Obi, who recently defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, explained that his departure followed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would withhold recognition of the party’s leadership as long as he remained a member.
“I left LP when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, that the federal government doesn’t want me on the ballot,” he said.
Despite the reported obstacles, the former presidential candidate said he is resolute about contesting the next general election.
“I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them for them,” he said.
Obi also took aim at the current administration’s borrowing profile, alleging that it has accumulated more debt than previous governments and warning that repayment obligations would extend decades into the future.
“The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid from 2045 to 2050 when most of the people who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more,” he said.
Outlining his policy priorities, Obi emphasised investment in education and healthcare as the cornerstone of sustainable development, arguing that strengthening human capital is essential for national progress.
Reflecting on his tenure as governor, he said he maintained a strict stance on public accountability.
“When I became governor of Anambra, I advised my wife to forget about the Office of First Lady because we were not elected together,” he said.
“I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy on government land, but had none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority.”
Also addressing supporters, Tanko Yunusa, global coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement, called for intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027 in support of the ADC.
Similarly, Ben Smith, the movement’s Akwa Ibom state coordinator, described the next presidential contest as a defining moment for generational renewal, centred on employment opportunities, improved security, workers’ welfare, and renewed national hope.
