- Obi said political manoeuvres and pressure from various quarters would not discourage him
- He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of ignoring earlier court decisions on the matter until after he left the party
- According to him, the party had secured favourable court rulings during the dispute, but the electoral body failed to recognise them
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election regardless of the growing number of state governors aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Obi made the statement on Friday in Nimo, located in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, during an empowerment programme organised by the lawmaker representing Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi.
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Speaking to residents at the event, Obi said political manoeuvres and pressure from various quarters would not discourage himfrom pursuing his ambition in the next general election.
The former governor explained that he had moved to the African Democratic Congress after prolonged leadership disputes within the Labour Party.
According to him, the party had secured favourable court rulings during the dispute, but the electoral body failed to recognise them.
He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of ignoring earlier court decisions on the matter until after he left the party.
“You know that I am now in the ADC,” Obi told the gathering. “Many people have asked why I left the Labour Party. We had been in court over leadership issues and won several judgments, yet INEC refused to recognise them. But immediately after I exited on December 31, 2025, the same rulings they ignored were suddenly acknowledged.”
Obi also alleged that recent political developments, including attempts to alter constitutional provisions, were aimed at preventing him from running for president.
Despite this, he maintained that he remained determined to join the race.
“They may have up to 30 governors, but if the election is conducted freely and fairly, let the contest begin and we will see the outcome,” he said.
The presidential hopeful added that his interest in contesting was driven by the desire to improve the country rather than personal ambition.
Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic and social situation, saying the system had deteriorated and required urgent reforms.
According to him, inequality in the country has made life more difficult for ordinary citizens while wealth and opportunities remain concentrated among a small group.
He noted that the situation often leads even affluent individuals to compete for benefits meant for the less privileged.
Obi commended Ozodinobi for organising the empowerment programme, stating that initiatives that directly support citizens demonstrate the importance of electing leaders committed to public service.
He added that his vision for Nigeria includes creating opportunities where individuals can succeed based on merit rather than connections.
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