The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has declared that the growing number of governors aligning with the All Progressives Congress will not discourage him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Obi maintained that despite the ruling party controlling about 30 state governors, he remained undaunted and committed to participating in the next presidential poll.
The former governor of Anambra State made the remarks on Friday in Nimo, located in Njikoka Local Government Area, during an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi.
Addressing residents at the event, Obi disclosed that he had moved to the African Democratic Congress following internal leadership disputes in the Labour Party.
According to him, the party had secured favourable court judgments in the leadership tussle, but the Independent National Electoral Commission failed to recognise the rulings until after his departure on December 31, 2025.
“You all know that I am now in the African Democratic Congress. People have been asking why I left the Labour Party, but we were in court over leadership issues and had been winning the cases. Yet, INEC refused to recognise us. But immediately after I left on December 31, 2025, the same court orders they had rejected were recognised,” he said.
Obi also alleged that certain constitutional amendments were aimed at preventing him from contesting the presidency.
He, however, insisted that he would not be intimidated, challenging the authorities to ensure a credible electoral process.
“They may have 30 governors, but let them conduct a free and fair election and see what the outcome will be. No matter what they do, I will contest the election. Let them bring the ball to the centre of the field, declare the game open, and let us see what happens,” he stated.
The former Anambra governor lamented the state of the nation, claiming that Nigeria’s system had deteriorated and required urgent reforms.
He said his interest in the presidency was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to rebuild the country.
“Nigeria has collapsed and needs to be redeemed. I am not desperate to become President; I am desperate to see a Nigeria that works,” Obi said.
He also criticised what he described as widespread greed among some affluent Nigerians, noting that many wealthy individuals still scramble for benefits meant for the less privileged.
“This country is heavily tilted against the poor, and that is why we are working to become president.
We want a Nigeria where the son of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he added.
Obi commended Ozodinobi for organising the empowerment programme, saying such initiatives demonstrated the importance of electing leaders committed to improving the lives of citizens.