Obi Confirms 2027 Presidential Bid, Urges Unity and National Renewal

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has officially confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces, Obi emphasized humility, service, and Nigeria’s collective survival over personal ambition.

“Yes, I will be on the ballot in 2027,” Obi stated. “But I am not God. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.”

In a candid conversation blending personal reflection with policy positions, Obi framed his political aspiration not as a pursuit of power, but as an extension of his long-held belief that Nigeria can thrive when leadership is guided by competence, integrity, and compassion.

“I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said, urging supporters to reject insults, aggression, and political hostility in his name.

Obi also spoke about Nigeria’s declining security and eroding national confidence. “What should worry us is that people can no longer travel freely across this country,” he said, recalling a time when Nigerians could move across regions, book hotels in advance, and attend trade fairs without fear.

Highlighting his record in office as a measure of credibility, Obi challenged critics to point to any instance of personal enrichment during his tenure as governor. He recalled leaving $150 million in savings for Anambra State, emphasizing that good governance is tangible and verifiable.

He also cited personal restraint in public office, such as declining luxury vehicles both as a bank chairman and as governor, while ensuring state institutions and officials were properly equipped. “These things are not pretence. This is how I live,” he said.

Obi recounted reallocating land originally assigned to him to a retiring civil servant who had worked 35 years without owning a home, describing the act as symbolic of the values Nigeria urgently needs.

Coalitions with Conditions

On opposition realignments and coalition talks ahead of 2027, Obi stated that he would only join alliances rooted in public interest. “I will only be part of a coalition that is committed to forming a government that will serve the people and change the narrative of Nigeria,” he said, stressing that he has never joined political groups based on religion, ethnicity, or private gain.

Rejecting allegations of ethnic or religious bias, Obi highlighted his record of cross-regional collaboration. All his commissioners of police as Anambra governor were from Northern states, while his professional teams spanned the country. “My ADC as governor was from Kano. My wife is from Akwa Ibom. I have worked with Nigerians from everywhere,” he noted.

Economic Policy and Governance

Obi reiterated his opposition to taxation policies that burden the poor. “We cannot tax poverty. Tax is a function of productivity,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for job creation and economic expansion ahead of aggressive taxation.

He also addressed past electoral controversies, clarifying that supporting a candidate does not equate to managing their campaign. “When it is my campaign, I do it my way,” he said.

A Call for Ethical Leadership

Despite confirming his 2027 bid, Obi returned to the theme of humility and uncertainty, appealing for prayers, discipline, and responsible support rather than abuse or confrontation.

“Nigerians must stop celebrating arrogance and bad behavior as strength,” he said. “What we need is competence, compassion, commitment, and character.”

As the 2027 election gradually takes shape, Obi’s message emphasizes that Nigeria’s future depends less on any single candidate and more on the nation’s choice for unity, ethical leadership, and collective responsibility.