…Explains exit from Labour Party
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi made the declaration at the OBIDIENT Conference and Official Declaration for ADC, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The conference was themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.”
Speaking to a cheering crowd of supporters, Obi expressed confidence in his chances at the polls, insisting that no amount of political intimidation would stop his ambition.
Why I Left the Labour Party — Obi
The former governor revealed that his decision to leave the Labour Party was informed by intelligence reports indicating that the party would be deliberately frustrated from fielding a presidential candidate as long as he remained a member.
According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had allegedly been primed not to recognise any Labour Party leadership under such circumstances.
“I left the Labour Party after being reliably informed that as long as I remained there, INEC would not recognise its leadership,” Obi said.
“I was told clearly that the Federal Government does not want me on the ballot.”
In a defiant tone, Obi added: “I want to assure you that I will contest this election even if it is conducted in their bedroom. And if they refuse to transmit results, we will transmit them for them.”
Bares mind on loans, governance, Nigeria’s future
Obi criticised the current administration over what he described as reckless borrowing, warning that Nigeria’s mounting debt burden would haunt future generations.
“The present government has borrowed more than all previous administrations combined. Shockingly, most of these loans are scheduled to be repaid between 2045 and 2050 — long after those who incurred them are gone,” he lamented.
Promises to prioritise education, health
Obi assured Nigerians that his administration, if elected, would deliberately invest in education and healthcare, noting that all great nations achieved sustainable development through intentional human capital development.
He pledged to tackle poverty, insecurity, and criminality by addressing their root causes and restoring confidence in governance.
On corruption, Obi said the menace would drastically reduce once leaders and their families stayed away from public resources.
“When I became governor of Anambra State, I told my wife to forget about the Office of the First Lady because we were not elected together,” he said.
“I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy on government land, but I took none for myself or my family. If anyone finds otherwise, they should petition the appropriate authorities.”
Speaking earlier, the Global Coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement, Dr Tanko Yunusa, urged supporters to mobilise massively ahead of the 2027 general election, describing ADC as the new vehicle for national rebirth.
Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the movement, Dr Ben Smith, stressed that the 2027 election transcends individual ambition.
“This election is about a generation — jobs for the youths, security for families, dignity for workers, and renewed hope for every Nigerian,” he said.
