Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. He made this significant announcement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an event themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.” Addressing members of the Obidient movement and party faithful, Obi outlined his political future and plans for the nation, asserting his unwavering determination to run for president and stating that no efforts to obstruct his path would succeed.

Obi explained his decision to depart from the Labour Party (LP), revealing that he was informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not acknowledge the party’s leadership if he remained. He cited, “I left LP when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, that the federal government doesn’t want me on the ballot.” Reaffirming his resolute stance, Obi declared, “I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them for them.” He reiterated this commitment in a follow-up post on his X handle, vowing to ensure that every Nigerian's vote counts and that those who obstruct the counting process will face legal repercussions.

During his address, the former governor also critiqued the current administration's borrowing practices, alleging that the country's escalating debt burden would have severe long-term consequences. He pointed out, “The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid from 2045 to 2050 when most of the people who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more.” Obi passionately urged Nigerians to collaborate with him to “rescue Nigeria” for the benefit of future generations, warning that decades of inadequate governance could exacerbate conditions for young people if necessary reforms are not implemented.

Outlining his key priorities, Obi stated that his administration would place a strong emphasis on education and healthcare, underscoring that nations achieving sustainable growth did so through deliberate investments in human capital. He also pledged to vigorously combat corruption, contending that ethical leadership at the highest levels could substantially mitigate the problem. To illustrate his commitment to integrity, Obi recounted his tenure as Anambra State governor: “When I became governor of Anambra, I advised my wife to forget about the Office of First Lady because we were not elected together. I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy on government land, but had none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority.”

Obi further articulated his intention to embark on a nationwide tour of higher institutions to personally assess their challenges. He stressed that individuals aligning with his political movement must prioritize the future and overall well-being of Nigerians. Supporting his declaration, Tanko Yunusa, the worldwide coordinator of the Obidient Movement, called upon supporters to mobilize across the country in preparation for 2027 and to rally behind the ADC as the chosen platform for political transformation. Ben Smith, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the movement, characterized the upcoming presidential election as a pivotal moment for the nation, stating, “The 2027 presidential election is not about an individual but about a generation, jobs for the youths, security for families, dignity for workers and hope for every Nigerian.” Obi's declarations have injected fresh impetus into the nascent discussions surrounding the 2027 general election, as political alliances and party realignments begin to emerge nationwide.