Nigeria’s opposition figure and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has declared that he is not intimidated by the growing number of governors in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he will contest the 2027 presidential election.
Obi stated that despite what he described as attempts by some political actors to discourage him from the race, he would not be deterred from pursuing his ambition.
The former governor of Anambra State made the remarks on Friday in Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, during an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi.
Addressing the gathering, Obi disclosed that he had now joined the ADC, explaining that his decision to leave the Labour Party followed prolonged leadership disputes within the party.
According to him, court rulings had repeatedly favoured his faction, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially refused to recognise the judgments.
“You all know that I am now in ADC. People have been asking why I left the Labour Party, but I told them that we have been in court over leadership issues and have been securing favourable judgments. Yet, INEC refused to recognise us,” he said.
“But when I left on December 31, 2025, they recognised the same orders they had earlier rejected.”
The former Anambra governor also alleged that ongoing constitutional adjustments were partly aimed at preventing him from contesting the presidency.
He, however, challenged the ruling party to ensure a transparent electoral process in 2027.
“They (APC) have about 30 governors now. Let them make the election free and fair and see who wins,” Obi said.
“I want to announce to you all that no matter what they do, I must contest the election. Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the middle of the field and declare it started, and let’s see what happens.”
Obi also lamented the current state of the nation, describing Nigeria as a country in urgent need of redemption.
According to him, the nation’s system has collapsed due to greed and inequality.
“Nigeria has collapsed totally, and there is a need to redeem it. I have never been desperate to be the President; rather, I am desperate to see a Nigeria that works,” he said.
He criticised the attitude of some wealthy individuals who, he claimed, still scramble for empowerment benefits meant for the less privileged.
“This country is skewed against the poor, and that is why we are working to become President. We want a country where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he added.
Obi also commended Ozodinobi for organising the empowerment programme.
