The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has assured supporters of his determination to contest the 2027 general election, declaring that no political pressure will stop him from appearing on the ballot.
Obi made the declaration on Saturday in Uyo during the OBIDIENT Conference and Official Declaration for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.”
Addressing supporters, the former Anambra State governor alleged that there were moves to prevent him from contesting but insisted he would participate regardless of obstacles.
“I will contest the coming election even if it holds in their bedroom. If they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them,” he said.
Exit from Labour Party
Explaining his departure from the Labour Party, Obi claimed he was informed that as long as he remained, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not recognise the party’s leadership, alleging that powerful interests did not want him on the ballot.
He stressed that Nigeria must “get it right” in 2027, advocating for real-time electronic transmission of election results and warning that failure to comply should attract consequences.
Criticism of Rising Debt
Obi criticised the current administration’s borrowing profile, alleging that it had accumulated more loans than previous governments, with repayment timelines stretching into 2045 and 2050.
According to him, future generations would bear the burden of today’s fiscal decisions if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Promises on Education, Health, Anti-Corruption
The presidential hopeful pledged heavy investment in education and healthcare if elected, arguing that nations that achieved sustainable development did so through deliberate investments in human capital.
He vowed to tackle corruption, claiming it would reduce significantly if leadership at the top remains transparent and free of personal interests.
Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Anambra State, Obi said he declined to institutionalise the Office of the First Lady and did not allocate government land to himself or family members.
“If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority,” he challenged.
Call for Nationwide Mobilisation
Also speaking, OBIDIENT Movement Worldwide Coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, urged Nigerians to mobilise across the country ahead of 2027 and channel their energy into the ADC as a platform for political transformation.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement, Ben Smith, called for unity among members, warning that internal divisions could derail the vision of building a “new Nigeria.”
Obi concluded by reaffirming his readiness to tour the country and higher institutions to understand grassroots challenges, stating that his priority remains securing a better future for Nigerians.