Prominent Nigerian opposition figure Peter Obi has confirmed he will contest for the presidency in 2027, firmly dismissing speculation that he might serve as running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, declared on the Sunday Politics programme.
Obi rejected suggestions that he could join forces with Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a deputy, insisting, “Nobody has ever discussed that with me. People assume many things, but there has never been such conversation.”
The former governor of Anambra State emphasised his ongoing commitment to the Labour Party, while acknowledging his active role within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition, which is seeking to unseat incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“I am part of the coalition which aims to produce a president who has the capacity and compassion to rescue this country,” Obi said.
Obi also stated that he would need no more than a single four-year term to steer Nigeria towards genuine progress. “I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance,” he said.
In response to criticism that the ADC coalition includes politicians from previous administrations, Obi defended their involvement, saying, “Even those who have been in failed governments bring valuable experience. They know what can go wrong and what can fix a broken system.”
Obi clarified that his coalition activities should not be seen as anti-party conduct. “We are in 2025, not 2027. The coalition has simply adopted ADC as its platform for the 2027 election. Today, I remain a member of the Labour Party, but we have agreed to work together in the national interest,” he added.
The coalition, which includes political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, hopes to harness the combined electoral strength that saw Atiku and Obi collectively secure over 12 million votes in 2023—more than four million above Tinubu’s declared total.
Obi concluded by affirming the coalition’s broader vision: “We want a government with competence, character, and capacity. The door remains open for other parties and individuals to join us.”
