Peter Obi declares he’ll run for 2027 presidential election
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, has once again indicated his intention to run for Nigeria’s top office in the 2027 general election.
Obi made the declaration while campaigning for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate ahead of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) elections in the Federal Capital Territory. Addressing supporters, he linked their backing in the local poll to his broader political ambition.
“Support us in AMAC; it will help me. Your support there is critical to our journey,” Obi said. “I am involved and contesting the coming election as number one. When I come back, you will see. I assure you.”
Following his association with the ADC, Obi’s supporters particularly members of the Obidient movement have intensified calls for the party to field him as its presidential flagbearer in 2027. However, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, has urged caution, warning supporters against divisive rhetoric and stressing the importance of party unity.
Meanwhile, political permutations continue to swirl. There are reports that some ADC stakeholders are considering a possible Obi Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket. Speculation has been further fueled by Kwankwaso’s decision not to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Supporters of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have also renewed appeals for Obi to consider serving as a running mate, similar to the political arrangement ahead of the 2019 election. Obi, however, has firmly rejected such suggestions, reiterating that he intends to contest as a presidential candidate, not a deputy.
Reinforcing his message to supporters, Obi described their backing in the AMAC election as “crucial” to his political journey. He also restated his long-held position that, if elected president, he would serve only a single four-year term and not seek re-election.
