Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi on Sunday reiterated his intention to contest Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, emphatically denying reports that he might accept the vice-presidential slot on the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Peter Obi said explicitly, “I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it. This is not in play; nobody has ever discussed that”.
The former Anambra Governor dismissed circulating rumours that he would team up with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in ADC, stressing that no such conversation had taken place.
ADC recently emerged as the darling of the opposition coalition in Nigeria as many political bigwigs in the country have continued to coalesce their structures into the party ahead of 2027 elections.
But Peter Obi, on Sunday also reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, insisting that he remained a “vibrant member” of the party he led to a third-place finish in the last election.
Yet, he acknowledged his participation in a wider opposition coalition, which includes the ADC, formed with the explicit aim of unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 poll.
“I am part of the coalition which will be able to produce a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” Obi added.
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 election cycle, Obi’s repeated declarations of an independent presidential bid are poised to shape the opposition coalition as two other heavyweight contenders, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi are said to be actively positioning themselves for the ADC’s 2027 presidential nomination.
Early campaign launch by the aspirants could kick off the electoral contest well ahead of formal party conventions, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested race.
