By Rafiyat Sadiq
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election while firmly dismissing rumours of a possible alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Obi made the declaration on Sunday night during a live interactive session with his supporters on X (formerly Twitter).
He restated his commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected and pledged to prioritise security, education, and poverty eradication.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Obi said he remained open to coalition talks, but only if they focused on rescuing Nigeria.
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“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue and Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians—count me out,” Obi said. “Nigeria is at war. We need to do something about it.”
Obi Outlines 2027 Agenda
Obi outlined his top priorities for a possible presidency, promising to address insecurity, fix the education sector, and lift millions out of poverty. He vowed to reduce the cost of governance and cut corruption at all levels.
“Three things to follow up with in the first 100 days: prioritise security, education, and poverty eradication; cut costs and shun corruption. My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds will be channelled into key critical sectors,” he said.
He also promised to preserve political accountability. “My presidency will ensure a strong opposition remains in place. I will not allow elected officials to defect to other parties,” he said.
Obi added that his 2027 campaign would take a non-violent approach. “We will do things differently. We will insist the right thing is done before results are announced in Abuja. Our votes will count, and we will ensure they count.”
Labour Party Dispute and Electoral Reforms
Addressing the crisis within the Labour Party, Obi revealed that he and other party leaders are engaging with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led faction in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling.
He also called for transparency in the electoral process, describing the current system as flawed. “We will not allow a repeat of the manipulation seen in previous elections,” he said.
Obi Criticises Tinubu’s Foreign Trip
Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu for choosing to spend over a week in St Lucia while Nigerians face deepening insecurity and economic hardship.
“Tinubu has not spent a night in any state outside Lagos since assuming office, yet he plans to spend eight nights in St Lucia—a country smaller than Ajegunle,” he said.
“People are dying in Benue, Borno, and elsewhere, and our leaders are commissioning bus stops and holidaying abroad,” he added.
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Obi called on the government to focus on real governance and take urgent steps to restore order, security, and economic stability. “To bring order to governance, I will prioritise security, education, and lifting people out of poverty, starting by cutting the cost of governance and fighting corruption from day one.”
On National Unity and Zoning
He reaffirmed his support for rotational presidency between the North and South, pointing out that he upheld that principle as governor of Anambra State.
Call for National Rescue Mission
Obi urged Nigerians to support his mission to rescue the country from misrule. “Anyone who wants to serve should be ready to put even their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
“Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government,” he concluded.
Obi’s announcement marks the beginning of what political observers expect to be a competitive and closely watched 2027 presidential race.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.