Peter Obi
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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has shed more light on his much-discussed declaration to seek the presidency again in 2027—this time, with a firm commitment to serve only a single term of four years.
Speaking during a Sunday night interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Obi said his decision is deeply rooted in his respect for the unwritten political zoning arrangement in Nigeria, which he said, despite lacking constitutional backing, has helped to stabilise the nation’s diverse and complex polity.
“One term is enough to establish that good governance is possible,” Obi declared. “If they can damage the country in just two years, why won’t someone achieve a lot in four years?”
According to Obi, zoning may not be enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, but it remains a “gentleman’s agreement” that has helped maintain a delicate balance in the country’s power structure. “It’s also to respect the gentleman’s agreement of zoning, which has been a stabilising factor even though it’s not in our constitution,” he said.
“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance. In two years, there has been maximum damage. Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president who cares and shows compassion.”
“I’m Contesting, I’m Qualified”
Peter Obi reiterated his resolve to run for president in 2027, stressing his constitutional eligibility and moral readiness.
“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” he said without ambiguity.
He also dismissed rumours that he could run as vice-presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that no such conversation had taken place.
“This is not in play; nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things. Nobody has ever discussed with me whether I am going to be A, B, or C.”
Still in Labour Party, But Building a Coalition
Contrary to speculation that he had dumped the Labour Party, Obi clarified that he remains a member while also supporting a coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform. He explained that the coalition’s primary goal is to produce a president with “capacity and compassion.”
He also addressed criticisms over his political alliances with individuals linked to previous failed administrations.
“In fact, even some who have been in that government—their experience is critical,” he explained.
“One of the major companies in the world hired two people who had worked in failed companies because they can tell you why they failed. You need the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded to move on, and I need everyone.”
Tinubu Lacks Compassion — Obi
Obi was unsparing in his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he accused of lacking empathy in the face of national tragedies. Citing a specific incident, Obi recalled:
“Several children died in Ibadan on 18 December last year, and on 19 December, the president of Nigeria flew from Abuja to Lagos for Christmas festivities. There is no compassion, and we can change that if we move in the right direction.”
He further lambasted the administration’s misplaced priorities, noting that while about 20 soldiers were killed in Niger State, the President went ahead to commission a bus station project in Abuja.
“When did ceremonial projects become more important than soldiers’ lives?” he asked.
On Security: “We Will Declare War”
Obi promised to confront insecurity head-on if elected, announcing plans to declare war—not just a state of emergency—on insecurity. He pledged to decentralise policing and empower sub-national governments and communities.
“From day one, I will tackle insecurity head-on. Non-state actors cannot be stronger than the state,” he said.
“We must declare war on insecurity, but we must concentrate more on natural security, which is pulling people out of poverty.”
Extravagance, Debt, and Fuel Subsidy
Obi did not spare the Tinubu administration on economic issues, accusing it of financial recklessness. He decried the government’s extravagant lifestyle, including the acquisition of private jets and luxury items while sectors like education and healthcare remain grossly underfunded.
He also condemned what he called the “disorganised” removal of fuel subsidy, saying it was done without proper safety nets.
Most damning was his accusation that the Tinubu government had borrowed more in two years than the combined administrations of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Muhammadu Buhari.
“They have raised Nigeria’s debt profile from ₦80 trillion to ₦180 trillion in just two years—with little or nothing to show for it,” he stated.
Obi pledged to borrow only for productive investments, especially in infrastructure and electricity, referencing success stories like Egypt, India, and Vietnam.
Vision for the North
In line with his plan to shift Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production, Obi said he would prioritise agriculture and rural development, particularly in the northern part of the country.
“The North is Nigeria’s greatest asset due to its vast land resources,” he said.
Clarifies Abacha Controversy
Addressing lingering speculation over his past connection with late military dictator Gen. Sani Abacha, Obi reaffirmed that his involvement was limited to a short-lived government committee on seaport decongestion.
“It was a chance meeting arising from a protest, and I was appointed to a committee that lasted just two weeks,” he explained.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi’s one-term pledge, coalition politics, and bold criticisms of the current administration are sure to set the tone for a campaign that promises to be anything but conventional.
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