Peter Obi has finally broken his silence on what lies ahead for him in 2027, and if there were any doubts about his next move, he has now made things crystal clear. In a recent sit-down with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate opened up on his ambitions, alliances, and approach to leadership.
The conversation, which aired on July 6, was full of signals, not just about Obi’s intentions, but also about the future of Nigeria’s political landscape. Here are the key things he revealed
He’s Running for President — Not as Anyone’s Running Mate
Peter Obi put all speculations to rest: he’s in the 2027 presidential race, and he’s not playing second fiddle to anyone. The rumour mill had been busy suggesting that he might run alongside Atiku Abubakar again, this time as a vice-presidential candidate. But Obi dismissed those claims outright.
“I’m contesting for the presidency,” he said firmly, making it clear that no political backroom deal has been struck. In his words, he’s not in the race to support a candidate, he is the candidate.
He’s Still in Labour Party, But Part of a Bigger Opposition Coalition
There’s been confusion about Obi’s political alignment, especially with his involvement in a broad opposition movement adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform. But Obi clarified that he remains a member of the Labour Party.
That said, he’s also working within the larger coalition of opposition figures trying to form a united front against the ruling APC. According to him, this coalition isn’t about party-switching, it’s about strategic cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections. “We are all working together to see a more competent government,” he said.
He Believes Nigeria Only Needs Four Years to Turn Around
Perhaps the most bold claim Obi made during the interview was his belief that Nigeria can begin to see major change in just one term of focused leadership. He didn’t hesitate to say that he only needs four years to set the country on a better path.
Using the current administration as a reference point, Obi argued that if so much damage could be done in two years, then a determined leader could begin to fix things within the same period or less. His plan? Compassionate governance, fiscal discipline, and a sense of urgency.
He’s Teaming Up with Familiar Names to Unseat Tinubu
Obi’s coalition isn’t made up of political newcomers. It includes notable names like Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola. Despite their ideological differences, they are now united by one mission: to remove President Bola Tinubu from office in 2027.
Obi acknowledged that during the last elections, the total votes he and Atiku received surpassed Tinubu’s, a statistic the coalition is looking to build on. It’s a marriage of convenience, but one Obi believes is necessary to create a serious challenge to the current administration.
Even Failed Leaders Have Lessons to Offer
Obi didn’t shy away from the criticism that some of his new political allies are part of the old guard or have less-than-stellar track records. Instead, he embraced it. According to him, even failed leaders have something valuable to contribute.
Drawing from the business world, he explained how companies sometimes hire people from failed organisations because they understand what went wrong. For Obi, experience, whether from success or failure is critical to building a better Nigeria.