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 for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Friday as a guest speaker at a leadership programme organised by NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Obi claimed that efforts were underway to stop his participation in the next 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.
“I’m rather focused on the fruitfulness of the destination, and that is what keeps me going,” he said.
Obi also challenged all prospective presidential contenders, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for the country.
“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,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor told students that he was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to see the country improve.
“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. I’m not contesting the election because I’m an Igbo man, but vote for me because I’m the most qualified.”
He added:
“It is not about Igbo people, but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North.”
Speaking on insecurity, Obi said:
“I will fight to make Nigeria better and end criminality in Nigeria. There is insecurity across the country, and everyone is affected, so I want to build a country that works.”
Obi also argued that Nigeria’s challenges stem from a lack of commitment among leaders and what he described as reactionary forces determined to hinder progress.
Reacting to a 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 said the setback would not deter 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.
“The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are bent on holding Nigeria down, do not want it to work, but I can assure you it will work. I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail,” he declared.
He added:
“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, and not just my supporters, is for us to remain peaceful and continue to resist this tragedy being imposed on Nigeria.”
