2027: Peter Obi challenges Tinubu to public debate

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and other prospective presidential candidates to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi threw the challenge on Friday while speaking as a guest lecturer at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State.

“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” he said.

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The former Anambra State governor also alleged that the Federal Government was making efforts to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that such moves would not stop his political ambitions.

According to him, powerful interests within the government are determined to ensure that he does not appear on the ballot.

“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.

“I’m rather focused on the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going,” he said.

Obi told the students that his interest in the presidency was driven by a desire to see Nigeria function effectively rather than personal ambition.

“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. Vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” he said.

He further stressed that his vision was for a Nigeria where opportunities are available to all citizens regardless of ethnic background.

“It is not about Igbo people, but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North,” he added.