Peter Obi Dismisses Being Atiku’s Running Mate, Says He’ll Contest For President In 2027

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has made it clear that he plans to run for president in the 2027 elections.

The former Anambra State governor dismissed any speculation that he might join forces with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a running mate.

Speaking during an appearance on the “Sunday Politics” programme, Peter Obi said he has every intention of contesting the top seat again.

“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” he stated.

When asked about rumours of teaming up with Atiku as a vice-presidential candidate, Obi dismissed the idea, saying no such conversation has taken place.

“This is not in play; nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things. Nobody has ever discussed with me whether I am going to be A or B or C,” he said.

Obi also spoke about his involvement in a broader coalition that includes the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

While he remains a committed member of the Labour Party, he explained that the coalition was formed to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

“I am part of the coalition which will be able to produce a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” he said.

Peter Obi promised that if elected, four years is all he would need to deliver impactful governance in Nigeria.

He said, “I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance.

“In two years, there has been maximum damage. Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president that cares, that shows compassion.”

Addressing critics who say the ADC coalition is made up of recycled politicians, Obi said that experience, both good and bad, is valuable when trying to rebuild a broken system.

He said, “In fact, even some who have been in that government, their experience is critical.

“I can tell you one of the major companies in the world hired two people who have worked in failed companies because they can tell you why they failed.

“You need the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded to move on, and I need everyone. It is a critical experience because they know what can fail a system and they know what was wrong with the system.”

He also clarified that being part of the ADC coalition doesn’t mean he’s abandoning the Labour Party or going against its interests.

“No, there is no anti-party. Remember, we said for 2027. We are not in 2027; we are in 2025. It’s clear. We’ve adopted it for 2027.

“So, if I say I am going to be part of your dinner in the evening, that doesn’t mean I should abandon my breakfast and lunch.

“The coalition just adopted a party for 2027. So, we are trying to work together for the sake of Nigeria.

“Today, I am a Labour Party member. I remain in the Labour Party. But we have all agreed to work as a coalition for the 2027 election, and for that, we’ve adopted ADC. Going on, other parties, other individuals will also come in.

“We want better governance for this country. We want to see a more competent government with capacity and character.

“This coalition might have other parties as it happened in the past, and change the name of the party.

“I am a member of this (Labour Party) and I am going to work with this group,” Peter Obi added.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party had given Peter Obi a 48-hour deadline to leave the party, following his recent involvement in the ADC coalition.