Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the 2027 presidential election could mark his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president, citing age and the need for younger Nigerians to take up leadership roles.
Obi made the remark during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, July 26, while reflecting on his political future.
The former Anambra State governor has contested the presidency through different political platforms over the years. In 2019, he was the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), running alongside Atiku Abubakar. He later contested the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party’s candidate.
In May 2027, Obi emerged as the presidential flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Asked whether he would consider another presidential bid after the next election, Obi suggested that 2027 may be his last.
“It depends on who wins,” Obi said.
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“But I can tell you, I’m coming to the end of it because I believe that the younger ones should be allowed.”
He explained that advancing age would inevitably affect the energy and capacity required to lead the country effectively.
“I’ll be 68 or 69. So, if you add that to another eight years, I will be 77, or 78. I don’t think I’ll have the energy I have today because that capacity is very important. It’s critical,” he said.
Obi reiterated that any decision beyond the 2027 election would depend on its outcome, while maintaining that Nigeria should begin creating more opportunities for younger leaders to take on greater responsibilities.
He stressed that leadership requires not only experience but also the physical and mental capacity to meet the demands of governing a complex country like Nigeria.