- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his intention to contest again at the 2027 Presidential election.
Obi made this known while speaking on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics programme.
While debunking claims of serving as running mate to former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Obi held that he is qualified for the Presidency.
“This is not in play; nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things. Nobody has ever discussed with me whether I am going to be A or B or C.
“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it. He said.” He said.
The former Anambra State governor also maintained that he remain a vibrant member of the Labour Party.
He however held that is an active member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition adopted by the opposition to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I am part of the coalition which will be able to produce a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” he said.
Obi further stated that his engagement with the ADC coalition does not in any way translate to anti-party activity.
“No, there is no anti-party. Remember, we said for 2027. We are not in 2027; we are in 2025. It’s clear. We’ve adopted it for 2027. So, if I say I am going to be part of your dinner in the evening, that doesn’t mean I should abandon my breakfast and lunch.
“The coalition just adopted a party for 2027. So, we are trying to work together for the sake of Nigeria.
“Today, I am a Labour Party member. I remain in the Labour Party. But we have all agreed to work as a coalition for the 2027 election, and for that, we’ve adopted ADC. Going on, other parties, other individuals will also come in.
“We want better governance for this country. We want to see a more competent government with capacity and character.
“This coalition might have other parties as it happened in the past, and change the name of the party.
“I am a member of this (Labour Party) and I am going to work with this group,” he said.
The former Anambra governor reiterated his request for only four years in office.
“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance,” Obi said, even as he announced that he would run for president in 2027, and not as a running mate to any politician.
“In two years, there has been maximum damage. Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president that cares, that shows compassion,” Obi said.