Peter Obi Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, Rules Out Running Mate Speculations
Peter Obi has made it clear—he’s gunning for Nigeria’s top job in 2027.
The former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 election publicly confirmed that he will be back on the presidential ballot, laying to rest speculation about whether he might play second fiddle to another candidate, particularly Atiku Abubakar.
“I’m contesting for President. That’s where I stand,” Obi said during a Sunday evening interview. When asked if he might run alongside Atiku, his response was firm: “Nobody has talked to me about being anyone’s running mate. People make assumptions, but no such discussion has taken place.”
Although still a prominent figure in the Labour Party, Obi also plays an active role in the broader opposition alliance, which recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its shared platform for the 2027 general election. The coalition, made up of politicians from across the political spectrum, aims to challenge the ruling party, citing Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis and soaring cost of living under the current administration.
“We need leadership that is competent and compassionate,” Obi said. “That’s what this coalition is trying to offer.”
A Promise of Four Years
Obi said if given the mandate, he wouldn’t ask for more than one term.
“I only need four years to set things in the right direction,” he stated confidently. “In two years, damage was done. In two years, we can begin the healing. Nigerians want a leader who truly cares.”
The Coalition Game Plan
On July 2, 2025, a major meeting of opposition figures took place in Abuja. Present were Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, David Mark, and Obi himself—all throwing their weight behind a united front under the ADC banner.
The strategy appears to bank on the strength of past elections: in 2023, the combined votes of Atiku and Obi surpassed those of the current president by more than four million.
Critics have dismissed the coalition as a gathering of “old faces” and past players. But Obi disagrees.
“You need people who’ve failed and succeeded,” he said. “Experience isn’t a bad thing. It helps us understand what went wrong—and how not to repeat it.”
Still Labour, Still Loyal
Despite his strong role in the coalition, Obi made it clear that he hasn’t abandoned his party.
“I’m still in the Labour Party,” he said. “Being part of this alliance doesn’t mean I’ve left. The coalition is for 2027, and it doesn’t conflict with my current party membership. We’re simply building something together for the future.”
He likened it to planning ahead: “Saying I’ll attend dinner doesn’t mean I won’t have breakfast.”
Looking Ahead
With more parties expected to join the alliance in the coming months, Obi emphasized the shared mission: better governance, stronger institutions, and a presidency that puts people first.
“I’m part of this movement,” he said. “And I believe we can make Nigeria work.”
