Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, has expressed certainty of victory, asserting that the upcoming election is fundamentally a contest between ordinary Nigerians and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rather than a personal political rivalry.
The former Anambra State governor argued that the widespread hardship experienced by citizens has transformed the election into a referendum on governance, transcending individual candidacies. Speaking in an interview widely circulated on social media, Obi stated, “I will not lose because the election is now between the people and the Nigerian government. I believe that people have suffered enough.”
Obi Distances Himself from Personal Ambition
Obi was careful to separate his campaign from any suggestion of personal ambition, insisting that the outcome rests entirely with the Nigerian electorate. He said, “This election is not about me telling the people what to do because it's the people who would either win or lose against the government. So, whatever they decide to do, I don't know because I'm not controlling them. Even if they have to go to court, it is the people suing the government. So, this election is between the people and the government.”
He described his candidacy as a form of service rather than a pursuit of power, portraying himself as a representative vehicle for Nigerians seeking change. “I'm only being used as a tool to stand for the people,” he added.
Obi Pledges Rule of Law if Elected
Beyond the broader message about the people versus the government, Obi outlined a specific priority for his administration should he win the presidency. “If I win, one thing I must bring back is to ensure the rule of law; we must have law and order.” This commitment underscores his campaign’s focus on institutional reform.
Obi came third in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, a result his supporters disputed in court. Since then, he has steadily positioned himself as a reform candidate ahead of the 2027 vote, recently switching to the NDC platform.
Kwankwaso Confirms Agreement with Obi
In related developments, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso revealed that he and Obi have signed a formal agreement regarding their presidential ambitions. The deal reportedly limits Obi to a single presidential term if their joint ticket wins the 2027 elections. Kwankwaso confirmed his intention to run for the presidency in 2031 under the arrangement.
Ganduje: Atiku, Obi Cannot Defeat Tinubu in North
Former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, however, dismissed the prospects of both Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the north. Speaking at a public event in Kano, Ganduje asserted that neither candidate possesses the grassroots machinery to win northern support, calling the north the decisive factor in every Nigerian presidential election. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tighten party registration requirements, arguing that only viable parties should contest elections.
