Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has alleged that the Federal Government of Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Tinubu is actively plotting against his participation in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State, Obi claimed the government of Tinubu is plotting against him and is determined to keep him off the ballot.
“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,” he said.
Despite the alleged attempts to frustrate his ambition, Obi maintained that he remained committed to the democratic process and was confident that the will of Nigerians would ultimately prevail.
Obi who was reacting to the Friday judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party, said the decision would not derail 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,” he said.
The former governor also challenged President Bola Tinubu and other presidential hopefuls to a public debate on their plans for the country.
Obi said his interest in the presidency was driven by a desire to rebuild the country rather than personal ambition.
“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,” he said.
Obi also said he envisioned a country where opportunities would be available to every citizen regardless of ethnic or religious background.
“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,” he said.
