The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is making efforts to stop him from contesting the next presidential election.
Obi made the allegation on Friday, June 26, while addressing participants at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State.
This follows the Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, on Friday, which set aside an earlier ruling that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Obi, attempts to frustrate his political ambition have intensified, but he remains focused on his objective of transforming Nigeria rather than the challenges before him.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised.
“Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.
“I’m rather focussed at the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also challenged President Bola Tinubu and other aspirants seeking the presidency to engage in a public debate on their programmes and vision for the country.
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“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.
Obi urged young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process, stressing that voting decisions should be based on competence rather than ethnicity.
“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 said.
He added that his administration, if elected, would benefit every part of the country.
“It is not about Igbo people but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the north,” he said.
Speaking on the nation’s security challenges, Obi said restoring peace would be one of his top priorities.
“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,” he stated.
Obi also criticised what he described as forces working against democratic progress, saying Nigeria’s problems persist because of individuals determined to frustrate meaningful change.