The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, stating categorically that he will not serve as a running mate to any candidate, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Obi said his involvement in the All Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition is not to play second fiddle but to forge a progressive alliance capable of rescuing Nigeria.
“I’m in the Labour Party, and I’m also part of the ADC coalition,” Obi clarified. “But I’m not there to be anybody’s running mate. The coalition is for the good of Nigeria.”
On insecurity, Obi vowed to launch an all-out war against those destabilizing the country, saying Nigeria is already in a state of war. “Anyone who says Nigeria will not have peace will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
He promised to prioritize dialogue with agitators across all regions, including the incarcerated IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, saying the growing unrest in the South East, South West, and Northern areas stems from systemic failures.
“The agitators are products of a failed system,” Obi said. “I will engage them and find peaceful solutions because I believe in inclusive governance, not politics of bitterness.”
Reflecting on his time as Anambra State governor under APGA, Obi recalled how he welcomed political opponents, such as Orji Uzor Kalu, and even provided them with logistical support during their campaigns.
“I don’t do bitter politics. As president, I will carry the opposition along because building the nation requires a collective effort,” he added.
