Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election — and says he is willing to serve a single term in office if it helps build a consensus around national healing and progress.
Obi made the announcement during a live interactive session on X Spaces on Sunday night, and it was later confirmed in an official statement released Monday by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson for the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR).
Speaking to thousands of listeners during the broadcast, Obi said he would accept a one-term presidency if it becomes a condition for broader political collaboration aimed at rescuing the country from deepening crises.
“If the agreement is that I should serve for only four years to help stabilise the nation, I’m ready to leave by May 28, 2031,” Obi declared.
The former LP flagbearer clarified that while there have been no formal merger talks or negotiations with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any political figure, he is open to any coalition that places national interest and people-focused governance at its core.
He stressed that any political alliance he considers must be mission-driven — with a clear agenda to confront insecurity, improve production, alleviate poverty, and revive national morale.
“Nigeria is at war — with poverty, hunger, killings and disunity. If the purpose of an alliance isn’t to fix these problems, then I have no business being part of it,” Obi said.
He promised to restore national stability within two years of assuming office, if elected, and called on leaders to abandon personal luxuries and commit themselves fully to Nigeria’s problems.
Obi also issued sharp criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent overseas visit to St Lucia, calling it insensitive at a time when Nigerians face growing insecurity and economic hardship.
“St Lucia is smaller than some neighborhoods in Lagos. Yet the president is planning to spend over a week there, while never spending a single night in any Nigerian state since 2023 outside Lagos,” he remarked.
On electoral strategy, Obi assured his supporters that the Labour Party would approach the 2027 elections differently, promising peaceful but vigilant participation to ensure votes are protected.
“We will be legally prepared. There will be no celebration in Abuja until every vote is accounted for. Our votes must count, and we will defend them,” he stated.
He also outlined key priorities for his first 100 days in office, which would include tackling insecurity, expanding access to quality education, reducing poverty, and blocking financial leakages in governance.
“My family will not be involved in government. I will cut waste, fight corruption, and ensure that public funds are used strictly for the benefit of citizens,” he said.
Obi reiterated his belief in power rotation and inclusive governance, describing it as essential for national balance and unity. He also addressed the internal structure of the Labour Party, revealing ongoing efforts to secure INEC recognition for the faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman in line with a Supreme Court ruling.
In response to growing speculation over a potential 2027 coalition with Atiku, recent reports suggest that the former vice president proposed a joint ticket during a private meeting in the UK, with a one-term offer on the table. Though Obi has neither confirmed nor denied the talks, sources say consultations are ongoing.
The two opposition figures had previously teamed up in 2019 under the PDP platform, losing to then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Whether history will repeat or take a new turn remains a key storyline as the 2027 race begins to take shape.