2027: Tinubu’s govt working to stop my candidacy — Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is making efforts to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that such moves will not stop his political ambitions.

Obi made the claim 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.

According to him, powerful interests within the government are determined to ensure that he does not appear on the ballot in 2027.

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“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 also challenged all presidential hopefuls, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria.

“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 stated.

The former Anambra State governor told 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.

Speaking on insecurity, Obi pledged to tackle criminality across the country if given the opportunity to lead.

“I will fight to make Nigeria better and end the criminality in Nigeria. There is insecurity in the entire country and everyone is involved, so I want to build a country that works,” he said.

Obi also linked Nigeria’s challenges to what he described as a lack of commitment among leaders and the activities of reactionary forces resisting progress.

Reacting to a recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party, Obi maintained that the development would not derail his political aspirations.

“They cannot stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy, and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt the society,” he said.

“The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are bent on holding Nigeria down, do not want it to work, but I can assure you it would work. I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail.”

He urged Nigerians to remain peaceful and continue to defend democratic values.

“Nowhere is safe in Nigeria today, yet the people who should help salvage the country are bent on hurting our democracy. My message to all those who mean well for Nigeria, and not just my supporters, is for us to remain peaceful and continue to resist this tragedy being imposed on Nigeria,” Obi stated.