Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is orchestrating moves to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Friday at a leadership programme organized by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, Obi claimed that powerful interests within the government were determined to ensure his exclusion from the ballot.
“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 stop me, but I’m not focused on the obstacles. My attention is on the destination, and that is what keeps me going,” Obi stated.
Reaction to Court Ruling
Obi’s remarks came in response to the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. He insisted that the setback would not derail his political aspirations.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail. This is not the end of the road. We are committed to democracy, and those who want to kill it are only hurting society. The will of the people must prevail,” he said.
Call for Public Debate
Obi challenged President Bola Tinubu and other presidential hopefuls to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria, stressing that his ambition was driven by a desire to rebuild the country rather than personal gain.
“I challenge any of those contesting, including President Bola Tinubu, to a debate on what they intend to do for Nigeria. I am not desperate to be President; I am desperate to see Nigeria work. Obtain your PVCs and vote, not because I am Igbo, but because I am the most qualified,” Obi urged.
Vision for Nigeria
The former Anambra State governor emphasized his vision of a nation where opportunities are accessible to all citizens regardless of ethnicity or religion.
“I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North,” he added.
APC’s Response
The All Progressives Congress (APC) swiftly rejected Obi’s claims, cautioning him against disparaging democratic institutions.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, advised Obi to pursue his grievances through the courts rather than criticize the judiciary.
“He cannot seek to rule Nigeria while undermining one of the key institutions of democracy. The judiciary must be respected, whether its judgment favours you or not. The same court that ordered INEC to register the NDC has now set aside its ruling because necessary parties were not heard. That is the law. Dragging the President into this is unnecessary,” Basiru stated.
