Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that forces within the Federal Government are working to prevent him from appearing on the ballot in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Friday at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Obi claimed that efforts were underway to stop his participation in the next general election.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination,” he said.
“I’m rather focused on the fruitfulness of the destination, and that is what keeps me going.”
The former Anambra State governor also challenged all prospective presidential candidates, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria.
“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” Obi stated.
Addressing the students, Obi said his aspiration was driven not by personal ambition but by a desire to build a better Nigeria. He urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. Vote for me because I am the most qualified,” he said.
He stressed that his vision transcended ethnic considerations, adding that he wanted “a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
“It is not about the Igbo people. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North,” he added.
On the nation’s security challenges, Obi said tackling insecurity would be one of his priorities if elected.
“I will fight to make Nigeria better and end the criminality in Nigeria. There is insecurity across the entire country, and everyone is affected, so I want to build a country that works,” he said.
Reacting to the recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party, Obi insisted that the legal setback would not discourage him.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy, and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt society,” he said.
He further accused “reactionary elements” of attempting to frustrate democratic progress, expressing confidence that “the will of the people must prevail.”
Obi also lamented the country’s worsening security situation, saying no part of Nigeria was truly safe.
“Nowhere is safe in Nigeria today, yet the people who should help salvage the country are bent on hurting our democracy. My message to all those who mean well for Nigeria, not just my supporters, is for us to remain peaceful and continue to resist this tragedy being imposed on Nigeria,” he said.
