Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially declared his intention to run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027. He vowed that, if elected, he would serve only one term and restore stability to the nation within two years.

Speaking to supporters during a live audio chat on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Obi also rejected speculation about teaming up with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement released Monday by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson for Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Obi said the priority of any coalition must be to end violence in Benue and Zamfara, revive the economy, boost industrial productivity, and ensure food security. “If that’s not the focus, count me out,” he declared. “Nigeria is at war. We must act.”

Obi called on Nigerians to unite for genuine change.

“I will bring stability to Nigeria within my first two years in office,” he promised. “Our leaders must come together here at home and fix our country.”

Emphasising his support for power rotation, Obi reminded listeners that he upheld zoning during his term as Anambra State governor. He also addressed the ongoing leadership dispute within the Labour Party, saying efforts are underway to have the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognise the faction led by Nenadi Usman, in line with a Supreme Court ruling.

Criticising President Bola Tinubu’s travel schedule, Obi pointed out that in two years, Tinubu has spent only one night outside Lagos within Nigeria but plans to spend eight nights in St. Lucia, a nation smaller than the Nigerian city of Ajegunle. “St. Lucia is about the size of Ilorin, our 10th-largest city,” Obi noted.

Looking ahead to 2027, Obi pledged a non-violent campaign and insisted that votes be counted properly before any result is announced in Abuja. “Our votes will count, and we will make sure they do,” he said.

He then outlined his first 100-day agenda, which will focus on security, education reform, poverty reduction, cutting government costs, and fighting corruption. “My family will have no part in corruption,” he vowed. “Public funds will go straight to critical sectors.”

Obi also promised to strengthen democracy by maintaining a robust opposition. “Under my leadership, no elected official will defect to another party,” he asserted.

Critiquing today’s leadership, he added, “While people are dying in places like Benue and Borno, our leaders are busy commissioning bus stops and taking holidays.”

He closed by highlighting his hands-on record in Anambra State. “Whenever an issue arose there, I was on the ground,” he said. “Anyone who wants to lead must be ready to risk their life for Nigerians.”

“Nobody abroad takes you seriously if your government isn’t stable,” Obi reminded his audience.