…constitutional adjustments were aimed at preventing him from contesting in the 2027 election.
Nimo, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that he will not be intimidated by the large number of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 election ambition.
Obi said several political moves had allegedly been orchestrated to displace him from the race but insisted he would not be deterred.
The former governor of Anambra State spoke on Friday in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area during an empowerment programme organised by the member representing Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi.
Addressing supporters, Obi declared that Nigeria had “totally collapsed,” stressing the urgent need to rebuild the country.
He maintained that he was not desperate to become president but was determined to see a Nigeria that works.
“Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are hungry and greedy. They have everything they need, but are still scavenging for more,” he said.
Speaking further during the 2027 election discussion, the former presidential candidate criticised what he described as the growing inequality in the country.
“This is an empowerment programme, but you will be surprised that many well-to-do persons will come here to struggle for things they have no need for. Go to their compounds and you will see better vehicles than the ones they are struggling for.
“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.”
Obi reiterated that his political ambition was driven by the desire to rebuild the country rather than personal ambition.
“I have always said that I’m not desperate to be the president of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see a Nigeria that works,” he said.
He also explained the circumstances surrounding his exit from the Labour Party, noting that the party had been embroiled in prolonged leadership disputes.
“You all know that I’m now in ADC. People have been asking why I left the Labour Party, but I told them that we have been in court in the party over leadership.
“We have been securing favourable judgments, but Independent National Electoral Commission refused to recognise us. However, when I left on December 31, they recognised the same orders they had earlier rejected,” he said.
Obi also alleged that some constitutional adjustments were aimed at preventing him from contesting in the 2027 election, but insisted he remained determined.
“You see all the things they have been tinkering with in the constitution; some of them are because they don’t want me to contest.
“But I want to tell them that with their 30 governors, they should make the 2027 election free and fair and see who wins.”
The former governor further declared that he would contest the election regardless of political pressure.
“I want to announce to you all that no matter what they do, I must contest the 2027 election. Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the middle of the field and declare it started, and let us see what happens,” he added.
Obi commended Ozodinobi for organising the empowerment programme, noting that such initiatives were the reason he continued to advocate for the election of competent representatives to the National Assembly.
