APC’s 30 Governors Won’t Stop Me From Contesting in 2027 – Peter Obi Vows

Njikoka, Anambra State – Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has boldly declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections. Speaking to a gathering of enthusiastic supporters in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday, Obi emphasized that he remains undeterred by alleged orchestrations aimed at discouraging his participation, including pressures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which boasts control over 30 state governors.

Obi, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after a protracted leadership crisis in the LP, painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, describing the country as “collapsed and lying on the ground.” He attributed the nation’s woes to widespread hunger, greed among the elite, and systemic biases against the poor. “Nigeria has collapsed totally and is in need of redemption,” Obi stated. “Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are hungry and greedy. They have everything they need, but still scavenging for more. 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.”

As previously reported by NaijaChoice News during the 2023 election cycle, Obi had emerged as a formidable opposition figure, galvanizing youth and grassroots support under the LP banner. However, his exit from the party on December 31, 2025, came amid ongoing legal battles over leadership, where court judgments in favor of his faction were allegedly ignored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “You all know that I’m now in ADC. People have been asking me why I left LP, but I told them that we have been in court in Labour Party over leadership, and we have been securing favourable judgement, but INEC refused to recognize us. But when I left on 31 December, they recognized the same orders they were rejecting,” Obi explained to the crowd.

The former governor, known for his frugal governance style during his tenure in Anambra, reiterated that his ambition is not driven by personal desperation for power but by a fervent desire to build a functional Nigeria. “I have always said it that I’m not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see a Nigeria that works,” he affirmed. Obi also took a swipe at recent constitutional amendments, suggesting they were tailored to hinder his candidacy. “You see all the things they have been tinkering with the constitution, some of them are because they don’t want me to contest,” he said.

In a direct challenge to the APC’s dominance, Obi dismissed any intimidation from the party’s extensive gubernatorial influence. “But I want to tell them that with their 30 governors, they should make the election free and fair and see who wins. 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,” he declared amid cheers from supporters.

Recent reports indicate that Obi’s declaration aligns with his activities at the OBIDIENT Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he urged Nigerians to join “Operation Rescue Nigeria” under the ADC platform. He criticized the current administration’s borrowing spree, noting that loans would burden future generations until 2050, and pledged to prioritize education and healthcare if elected. Political analysts view this as a significant move in opposition realignment, potentially pitting Obi against figures like President Bola Tinubu in what could be a fiercely contested race.

Obi, who has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability, shared anecdotes from his governorship, including approving over 100 Certificates of Occupancy without allocating any to himself or family. His message resonated with attendees at the empowerment program, where he highlighted how even affluent individuals scramble for resources they don’t need, underscoring societal greed.

As the 2027 elections approach, Obi’s resolve has sparked renewed discussions on social media and among political circles. Supporters, often referred to as “Obidients,” have mobilized online, with calls for voter registration and defense of votes echoing his 2023 campaign vigor.