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The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the Federal Government of orchestrating measures aimed at preventing him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no amount of political pressure will stop his ambitions.
Obi made these allegations on Friday while delivering a lecture at a leadership program organized by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija.
Addressing election participants, the former Governor of Anambra State stated that there are behind-the-scenes efforts being made to ensure he does not appear on the ballot in the next general election.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I do not contest in 2027, you will be shocked. The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I don’t see the obstacles but the goal.
“I am more focused on the success of this destination and that is what keeps me going,” he said.
Obi also called for issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 elections, challenging President Bola Tinubu and every other presidential aspirant to openly present their plans for Nigeria through open debate.
“I challenge anyone participating in the debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I am not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it successful,” he said.
Speaking to students, Obi emphasized that his political aspirations were driven by a desire to rebuild the country, not personal ambition. He urged eligible Nigerians to register and participate in the electoral process while encouraging voters to base their vote on competency, not ethnicity.
Also read: Federal High Court overturns previous NDC registration decision, orders new trial
“I am not desperate to become President of Nigeria but am eager to see Nigeria succeed. Go and get your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are ruining your future. When you have PVC, don’t vote for me because I am Igbo. I am not contesting the election because I am Igbo, but vote for me because I am the most qualified.”
He added that his vision was to build a country where opportunities were available to every citizen regardless of background, arguing that northern Nigeria would benefit significantly from his rule.
“This is not about the Igbo people but I want a Nigeria where the son of a nobody can become someone important without knowing anyone. We want a country that can work. The biggest beneficiary of my presidency will be the northern region.”
Regarding the country’s security situation, Obi said restoring peace and eradicating crime would be one of his priorities if elected.
“I will fight to make Nigeria better and end crime in Nigeria. There is insecurity all over the country and everyone is involved, so I want to build a successful country.”
The former governor also reacted to the recent decision of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which overturned an earlier decision ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Describing the development as a temporary setback, Obi stressed that it would not derail his political plans or weaken his commitment to democratic principles.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you that this is not the end of the journey. We are committed to this democracy and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt the people.
“The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are determined to suppress Nigeria do not want this to succeed, but I can assure you that this will succeed. I have confidence that I will succeed because the will of the people must prevail,” he said.
He ended his speech by calling on Nigerians to remain peaceful and continue to defend democratic values despite the challenges the country is currently facing.
“There is no safe place in Nigeria today, yet the people who are supposed to help save this country are determined to harm our democracy. My message to everyone who means well for Nigeria and not just my supporters is that we remain peaceful and continue to reject this tragedy that has befallen Nigeria.”
