ABUJA, NIGERIA — June 8, 2025 | IDNN POLITICS DESK —
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially confirmed he will be on the ballot for the 2027 presidential elections, putting to rest months of speculation about his political intentions.
Obi made the declaration during a Sunday night appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he dismissed suggestions that he may accept a vice-presidential slot under former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” Obi stated firmly.
Asked about rumours of a potential merger ticket with Atiku, Obi said:
“Nobody has ever discussed that with me. People assume so many things. It is not in play.”
Loyal to Labour, Open to Coalition
While Obi reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, he also embraced the broader opposition coalition recently formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.
The coalition—anchored on the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—has attracted major political figures including Atiku, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola. Though some of these names are associated with the old political order, Obi said he is willing to work with all Nigerians for the sake of national progress.
“The Jesus I worship came not just for the righteous. I am ready to work with anyone who has the will and capacity to build a new Nigeria,” he said.
‘I Need Even Those Who Failed’
Obi defended the inclusion of former power brokers in the coalition, despite their links to administrations many Nigerians blame for the country’s woes.
“You need the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded. Even failed leaders can teach us what not to do,” Obi argued, citing business case studies where companies hired former executives of collapsed firms for strategic insight.
Obi Pitches Himself as Minister of Security
In a notable departure from traditional Nigerian presidential ambition statements, Obi said he would rather function as Minister of Security than as Minister of Petroleum—a role usually reserved for the President.
“If I am President, I won’t be Minister of Petroleum. I want to be Minister of Security to protect lives and property,” he said, highlighting worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria and across farming communities.
He claimed that insecurity, more than any other challenge, is stifling Nigeria’s development—especially in the North.
“The biggest asset of Nigeria is in the North. But insecurity has crippled agriculture. I will deal with that. If I’m elected, the North will celebrate me,” he said.
Obi vs. the Political Establishment
Obi’s 2023 campaign, anchored on youth energy, tech-savvy messaging, and a populist agenda, made a significant impact—finishing third behind Tinubu and Atiku. However, the 2027 race is shaping up to be even more complex, with major political heavyweights consolidating under the ADC banner.
Still, Obi insists he remains undeterred.
“I believe we can build a new Nigeria that works for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or status. I will give it everything again,” he said.
