Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has officially declared his plan to run for Nigeria's presidency again in 2027. The announcement was made during a detailed online discussion on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces on December 29, 2025.
A Bid Framed by Humility and Service
In a notable departure from typical political declarations, Obi's confirmation was couched in a tone of caution and humility. "Yes, I will be on the ballot in 2027," he stated, but quickly added, "But I am not God. Tomorrow is not guaranteed." He positioned his ambition not as a desperate pursuit of power but as an extension of his lifelong belief in a functional Nigeria.
"I am not desperate to be president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work," Obi emphasized. He warned his supporters against using insults, aggression, or hostility in his name, arguing that such behavior only deepens the nation's divisions. He expressed that personal attacks no longer affect him, but the country's deteriorating security and collapsing national confidence do.
Past Record and Policy as Credentials
Obi heavily leaned on his governance record in Anambra State as his primary credential for higher office. He challenged critics to point to any instance of personal enrichment during his tenure, highlighting that he left $150 million in state savings. He argued that if those funds had been preserved, their current value would astonish many Nigerians.
He provided multiple examples of personal restraint, including declining luxury vehicles as both a bank chairman and governor to direct resources to state institutions. For his first four years as governor, he drove a Peugeot 406 while ensuring judges, magistrates, and senior civil servants received official vehicles. "These things are not pretence. This is how I live," he asserted.
On economic policy, Obi reiterated his stance against taxing poverty. "We cannot tax poverty. Tax is a function of productivity," he said, using the analogy, "You cannot withdraw from an account where nothing was deposited." He insisted job creation and economic expansion must come before aggressive taxation, given over 130 million Nigerians live in poverty.
Coalitions, Character, and the Path to 2027
Addressing potential opposition realignments, Obi adopted a firm but principled stance on coalition talks. "I will only be part of a coalition that is committed to forming a government that will serve the people and change the narrative of Nigeria," he declared. He stressed he would not join alliances based on religion, ethnicity, or private gain, insisting that competence and character must be the sole basis for leadership.
He forcefully rejected allegations of ethnic or religious bias, citing his record. All his commissioners of police in Anambra were from Northern states like Kano, Taraba, and Adamawa. "My ADC as governor was from Kano. My wife is from Akwa Ibom. I have worked with Nigerians from everywhere," he stated, warning that those who promote division do so out of fear of unity.
Despite setting the stage for the 2027 race, Obi's message repeatedly circled back to themes of uncertainty, moral obligation, and national choice. He appealed for prayers, discipline, and responsible support over abuse and confrontation. "Nigerians must stop celebrating arrogance and bad behaviour as strength," he concluded. "What we need is competence, compassion, commitment and character." His announcement framed Nigeria's future as a choice between ethical leadership and unity or continued division and hostility.
