Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has firmly announced his intention to contest in the 2027 general election under the LP platform, dismissing speculations about his political direction amid the internal tensions in his party.
Obi made this known during a chat with a group of young supporters, captured in a 7 minute video widely circulated among Labour Party members on WhatsApp on Saturday.
When asked directly if he would remain with the LP ahead of the 2027 polls, he responded clearly: “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”
Obi also expressed concern over the lack of a strong opposition, blaming the rot in the system on deliberate efforts to weaken rival parties. He pledged to restore institutional integrity if given the chance to lead.
He urged Nigerian youths not to lose hope or be discouraged by the obstacles thrown their way, noting that positive change is always resisted by beneficiaries of the broken status quo.
Obi also called on citizens to be vigilant about protecting their votes, emphasizing that beyond party agents, it is the people who must ensure the integrity of elections.
On a more personal note, he disclosed that he would be 65 by the time of the next election, expressing a desire to bow out of active electoral contests before turning 70. He subtly hinted at the need to usher in a new era of leadership, suggesting that those clinging to power past a certain age should consider stepping aside. “Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition,” he added.
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