Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has announced his intention to contest in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, saying he will not be intimidated by the number of governors aligned against him.
Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, made the declaration while addressing supporters in Njikoka in Anambra State on Friday.
According to him, there have been several moves aimed at discouraging him from contesting again, but he remains determined.
The former governor said the country is in serious need of reform, describing Nigeria as a nation that has “collapsed” and requires urgent redemption.
“Nigeria has collapsed and already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are hungry and greedy. They have everything they need, but still scavenging for more,” he said.
Obi insisted that his political ambition is not driven by desperation for power but by a desire to see the country function effectively.
“I have always said that I’m not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see a Nigeria that works,” he added.
The former governor also explained his recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying internal leadership disputes in the Labour Party had dragged on in court despite favourable rulings.
He alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially refused to recognise court decisions related to the party’s leadership but later acknowledged them after he left the party.
Obi further claimed that certain constitutional adjustments and political manoeuvres were designed to prevent him from contesting the 2027 election.
However, he said he would not be deterred and challenged those opposed to him to allow a free and fair election.
“I want to announce to you all that no matter what they do, I must contest the election. Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the middle of the field and declare it started, and let’s see what happens,” Obi said.