Peter Obi Accuses FG of Trying to Block 2027 Presidential Bid

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced strong accusations, claiming the Federal Government is actively scheming to obstruct his participation in the 2027 presidential election. Obi made these assertions on Friday during a leadership gathering organized by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative, held at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State.

According to the former Anambra State governor, powerful elements within the current administration are determined to ensure his name does not appear on the ballot for the upcoming presidential contest. He stated, “If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The 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 focused on the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going.”

Despite these alleged attempts to frustrate his political ambitions, Obi reiterated his unwavering commitment to the democratic process, expressing confidence that the collective will of Nigerians would ultimately prevail. His remarks came in response to a Federal High Court judgment issued on Friday in Lokoja, Kogi State, which nullified an earlier directive instructing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. Obi affirmed that this legal setback would not deter his political aspirations.

“They cannot 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,” Obi declared emphatically.

Furthermore, the NDC candidate issued a challenge to President Bola Tinubu and other potential presidential contenders, inviting them to a public debate where they could articulate their visions and plans for the nation. Obi clarified that his pursuit of the presidency stems from a genuine desire to rebuild Nigeria, rather than personal ambition.

He elaborated, “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. I’m not desperate to be 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. Vote for me because I’m the most qualified.”

Obi also shared his vision for a Nigeria where all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or religious background, would have equal access to opportunities. He emphasized, “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.”

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) promptly dismissed Obi's claims, cautioning him against undermining the very institutions responsible for upholding democratic principles. Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the APC, advised the former Anambra State governor to address his grievances through appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to public criticism of the judiciary.

Basiru stated, “He cannot be seeking to rule Nigeria and be undermining one of the key institutions of democracy. The judiciary is one of the institutions of democracy and must be respected, whether the judgment is in your favour or against you. Is it not the same judiciary that said the NDC should be registered even when INEC said the NDC had not met the requirements? Now, the same judiciary has said all necessary parties should be heard before making the order in the first instance. In law, everybody knows that a court that made an order can set it aside when necessary parties have not been heard. So, if the same court that granted the order has now set it aside, why bring the President into this? He should go and settle his case in court rather than drag the President into it.”