Obi Says 2027 Election Will Pit Nigerians Against Bad Leadership

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said the 2027 polls will represent a contest between Nigerians and bad leadership.

Obi made the remark in Anambra State on Saturday while formally registering as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He also encouraged Nigerians to participate in the party’s ongoing online registration exercise.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the 2027 election will be an opportunity for citizens to demand justice and better governance.

“With the agreement of our national leaders present here today, I urge Nigerians to go online, register and obtain their membership cards. We want as many people as possible to join. The 2027 election will be Nigerians standing against bad leadership and fighting for justice,” Obi said.

He also reiterated that the South-East region deserves the opportunity to produce Nigeria’s president, stressing that the zone is an integral part of the country.

Obi noted that the South-East has contributed significantly to national development, adding that people from the region live and invest across the country.

“Some people say the South-East wants this or that, but the South-East is part of Nigeria and only wants to serve. No other region can claim to be more Nigerian than the South-East because our people live and build their lives in every part of the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has also declared his intention to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore said his administration would prioritise solving Nigeria’s electricity challenges, tackling insecurity and creating jobs if elected.

Speaking with The Guardian in Abuja at the weekend, the activist said a stable power supply would drive industrial growth and help address unemployment and security challenges.

“The energy sector is the foundation of industrial development. If we get electricity right, we can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, increase the Gross Domestic Product and reduce insecurity,” he said.

Sowore also criticised the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, arguing that it has yet to bring meaningful improvements to the lives of Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria requires a new generation of leadership capable of addressing the country’s longstanding socio-economic challenges.

The publisher of the online investigative platform Sahara Reporters said his continued involvement in politics reflects his commitment to offering Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.

Sowore previously contested the presidency on the AAC platform in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, campaigning on issues such as anti-corruption, youth empowerment and institutional accountability.