Obi To Supporters: ‘I Will Be On The Ballot In 2027’, Aide Denies Defection Rumours

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has stated unequivocally that he intends to run in the 2027 election and that he is willing to serve one term.

The statement, made during a recent X space session with his supporters, was followed by a strong denial from his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, who refuted reports that Obi and other opposition figures are planning to leave the Labour Party.

Obi emphasised his commitment to rescuing Nigeria and hinted at potential coalition talks. He stated, “If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue and Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on Nigerians’ tables…” Count me out. Nigeria is currently at war. We need to take action.”

He added, “I will bring stability to Nigeria within two years of being in office. Nigerian leaders should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria,” he said, adding that he believes in rotating the presidency between the North and South and had implemented it as governor of Anambra.

Obi addressed concerns about the Labour Party by stating that they are actively working to secure INEC’s endorsement of the Nenadi Usman-led faction, citing a Supreme Court decision.

He also criticised President Tinubu’s recent international travel, stating, “In two years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, but he is going to spend eight nights in St Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle.”

Obi went on to say, “If there is any agreement that restricts me to four years in office, I will comply with it and be ready to leave office by May 28, 2031.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Obi promised a new approach, saying, “We will do things differently in 2027.” We will take a nonviolent approach and insist on doing the right thing before the results are announced in Abuja.

Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will make certain they do.” He outlined his top priorities for his first 100 days in office, including security, education, poverty eradication, cost reduction, and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. “My family will not get involved in corruption,” he said.

However, following these statements, reports surfaced indicating that Obi was considering leaving the Labour Party. Valentine Obienyem, Peter Obi’s media advisor, has since issued a strong denial, calling the reports “completely false and unfounded.”

“My attention has been drawn to a news report that falsely attributes to me the statement ‘we have agreed to leave the Labour Party and join one platform for 2027. I want to state unequivocally that this claim is false,” Obienyem clarified.

He emphasised that Obi is still a committed member of the Labour Party and urged the public to disregard the false information.

“This is yet another example of misinformation being circulated to confuse the public and cast doubt on the integrity and consistency of Mr. Peter Obi and the movement he represents,” Obienyem said.

This latest development reinforces Obi’s long-standing political ambition and highlights ongoing internal dynamics within the Labour Party, as well as the broader political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections.