Presidential hopeful of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused the Federal Government of orchestrating moves aimed at preventing him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no amount of political pressure would stop his ambition.
Obi made the allegation on Friday while delivering a lecture at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija.
Addressing participants, the former Anambra State governor claimed that behind-the-scenes efforts were being made to ensure he does not appear on the ballot in the next general election.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.
“I’m rather focussed at the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going,” he said.
Obi also called for issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 elections, challenging President Bola Tinubu and every other presidential aspirant to publicly present their plans for Nigeria through an open debate.
“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” he said.
Speaking to the students, Obi maintained that his political aspiration was driven by a desire to rebuild the country rather than personal ambition. He urged eligible Nigerians to register and participate in the electoral process while encouraging voters to base their choices on competence instead of ethnicity.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. I’m not contesting election because I’m an igbo man, but vote for me because I’m the most qualified.”
He added that his vision was to build a nation where opportunities are available to every citizen irrespective of background, arguing that northern Nigeria would benefit significantly from his administration.
“It is not about Igbo people but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the north.”
On the country’s security situation, Obi said restoring peace and tackling criminality would be among his priorities if elected.
“I will fight to make Nigeria better and end the criminality in Nigeria. There is insecurity in the entire country and everyone is involved, so I want to build a country that works.”
The former governor also reacted to the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Describing the development as a temporary setback, Obi insisted that it would not derail his political plans or weaken his commitment to democratic principles.
“They can not stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt the society.
“The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are bent on holding Nigeria down do not want it to work but I can assure you it would work. I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail,” he declared.
He concluded by appealing to Nigerians to remain peaceful and continue defending democratic values despite the country’s current challenges.
“No where is safe in Nigeria today, yet the people who should help salvage the country are bent on hurting our democracy. My message to all those who mean well for Nigeria and not just my supporters is for us to remain peaceful and continue to resist this tragedy being imposed on Nigeria.”
(Ripples)