OKIJA, Anambra State — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is orchestrating efforts to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no amount of political pressure would stop his ambition.
Obi made the allegation on Friday while delivering a lecture at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State. Addressing participants, the former Anambra State governor claimed that behind-the-scenes efforts were being made to ensure he does not appear on the ballot in the next general election.
“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,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential hopeful did not provide specific evidence for the alleged efforts during his remarks but insisted that forces within the government were determined to stop him.
Obi also called for issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 elections, challenging President Bola Tinubu and every other presidential aspirant to publicly present their plans for Nigeria through an open debate. “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.
Addressing the students, Obi maintained that his political aspiration was driven by a desire to rebuild the country 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. I’m not contesting election because I’m an Igbo man, but vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” he said.
When journalists informed Obi of a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party, Obi dismissed the setback. “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 to those who want to kill this democracy they are trying to hurt the society,” he said.
He added: “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.”
Obi also addressed the broader security situation in the country, saying: “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.”
