‘Government Forces Preventing Me from Contesting 2027 Election’ – Peter Obi

Presidential candidate 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 the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Obi claimed efforts were underway to stop his participation in the next election, Daily Post reports.

Obi, who is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, 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 the 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 election because I'm an igbo man, but vote for me because I'm the most qualified,' he added.

Obi spoke about insecurity across the country, saying 'I will fight to make Nigeria better and end the criminality in Nigeria. There is insecurity in the entire country and everyone is involved, so I want to build a country that works.'

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 can not 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 the society,' he declared.

Obi 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,' he said.

‘They can't 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 the society.'

Obi's comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including insecurity, economic downturn, and poor governance. With the 2027 presidential election around the corner, the focus is shifting to who will be the next president and how to address the country's numerous challenges.

Obi's determination to contest in the 2027 election despite the alleged efforts by government forces to prevent him from doing so sends a strong message that he is committed to making a difference in the country.

As the election draws near, Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge as the next president and how they will tackle the country's numerous challenges.

Obi's message to his supporters and to those who mean well for Nigeria is to remain peaceful and continue to resist the 'tragedy being imposed on Nigeria.'

This article has been updated to reflect that Peter Obi has indeed been prevented from contesting the 2027 presidential election by a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.