Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 poll, underscoring his belief in the fair rotation of power between North and South.

The former governor of Anambra State laid to rest growing speculations about a possible alliance, firmly stating that he had no agreement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on any joint ticket for 2027.

In a gripping live interaction with supporters on X Space Sunday night, Obi reaffirmed not only his presidential ambition but his resolute commitment to serve just one term if elected, a pledge rooted in the tradition of equity (since President Bola Tinubu would, by 2027, have done the first four years slot of the South).

“My character and integrity mean more to me than the title of President,” Obi declared. “If the consensus is for two years, I will serve for two years, and within that time, I will inject competence, capacity and compassion into the heart of governance.”

Obi described zoning not as a convenience, but as a moral anchor, one he upheld at great personal and political cost during his time as governor.

“I championed zoning in Anambra. I paid the price. But I remain faithful to that principle.”

On the rising clamour for political coalitions, Obi warned that he would not be part of any alliance founded on desperation for power, not people-centred governance.

He did not spare Tinubu, as he censured the President’s frequent foreign escapades, calling them “wasteful” and out of touch with the nation’s grim realities.

Citing Tinubu’s recent trip to St. Lucia, Obi asked: “What strategic or economic value does a trip to St. Lucia bring to 200 million Nigerians? While our people die daily in Benue and Borno states, our leaders are abroad, cutting ribbons at bus stops.”

The man whose political clout birthed the Obidient Movement exposed that by January 2025, Tinubu had embarked on 20 international trips, spending 59 days in France alone, yet never spent a single night in any Nigerian state outside Lagos.

“I will not govern from private jets. I will govern from the ground, from the pain, hope and strength of our people.”

Pressed on his first 100 days in office, Obi outlined a bold, people-first agenda: tackling insecurity, revamping education, rebuilding healthcare, fighting corruption, eradicating poverty and slashing the cost of governance.

“My family will never touch public funds. Every kobo will go into critical sectors, not pockets.”

He pledged to restore the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy, by strengthening opposition, ending the culture of political defections and ensuring electoral transparency.

“In 2027, our votes will count. The right thing must be done, not after, but before any results are announced in Abuja. We’ll be peaceful, but unyielding.”

Obi urged leadership by sacrifice: “If you want to lead, be ready to lay down your life for the people. That is the only true test of leadership.”