Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, vowing to bring competence, compassion, and decisive action to Nigeria’s leadership. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi said Nigeria must stop voting along tribal and religious lines and begin prioritizing competence and integrity in leadership.

“The biggest asset of this country is in the North, the uncultivated lands in the North. The criminality we face in the North today, I will deal with it,” Obi said during the live programme. “If I am president, the North will celebrate me. I have an idea of the problem.”

The former Anambra State Governor emphasized that Nigeria is difficult to govern—especially for anyone genuinely interested in doing what is right. He said, “We have voted for incompetence, we’ve voted for tribe, (and) we’ve voted for religion; let’s vote for competence. I want them to trust me.”

“I Don’t Need More Than Four Years”

Obi also made it clear that he would not seek re-election if he became president in 2027.

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

Criticizing the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, Obi accused the government of doing significant damage in just two years.

“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,” he stated.

On Coalition with Former Officials: “Experience Is Critical”

Responding to criticisms over his involvement in a political coalition that includes members of past administrations, Obi justified the decision, saying experience matters—even from those who failed in governance.

“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,” Obi said.

He referenced how global companies often hire people from failed ventures for their insights.

“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,” he explained.

No Talks with Atiku Abubakar

When asked if he would consider being a running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi firmly responded, “Nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things.”

He further clarified that he remains a loyal member of the Labour Party and is also part of the broader opposition coalition built around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) government 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 affirmed.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun a strict crackdown on members allegedly aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the growing opposition coalition, warning of disciplinary action and the loss of party tickets ahead of the 2027 general election.

This move follows reports that high-profile leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are considering switching allegiance to the ADC platform, which was formally adopted by the opposition coalition last week.

PDP Reacts to Rising Defections and Alliance Threat

Sources within the PDP revealed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and Governors’ Forum were deeply alarmed by the defection threat and had started engaging loyal members to prevent further political hemorrhage.

One senior party official, speaking anonymously, said:

“The leaders of the party are not happy with the total disregard for the PDP. How can someone claim to be a PDP member while openly working for the ADC? Does that make any sense?”

“Through our established channels, we have already reached out to our members across the country, urging them not to join the coalition. At the appropriate time, we will take decisive action against anyone who attempts to take the PDP for granted.”

Party leaders have also been directed to engage at grassroots levels to reassure members of PDP’s stability, while openly encouraging disloyal members to resign.

“We will assist those who have clearly lost interest in the PDP to leave and join their coalition. We will not allow sabotage,” the official added.

PDP Vows to Withdraw Tickets from Disloyal Politicians

A top official disclosed that the party is actively warning elected officials and aspirants that their candidacy under the PDP banner may be withdrawn if they support ADC-affiliated activities.

“Their tickets will no longer be guaranteed. We will not give our party’s ticket to individuals who support another party, regardless of the name or form it takes,” he said.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, called for immediate resignation from those caught in political double-dealing.

“That is hypocrisy and double standards. I don’t expect anybody who understands the significance of allegiance to operate with double standards. If you are dissatisfied with the PDP, then you have no reason to remain loyal to it and another movement. It tells everyone the kind of person you are.”

“Anyone who exhibits this kind of behaviour may no longer have the credibility to remain with the PDP. If they want to identify with the ADC, they should resign their PDP membership, just like David Mark did.”

“We are beginning to see reasons to sanction erring members. Anyone who wants to go should go. You cannot express dual allegiance,” Abdullahi declared.

Why Atiku and Obi Have Not Yet Left PDP, Labour Party

Despite their involvement in opposition coalition meetings, Atiku and Obi have not officially left their respective parties, sources disclosed. Their delay is tied to ongoing negotiations over the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket.

“We expected them, or at least many of their members, to resign their legacy party memberships and formally join the ADC on or before the Wednesday unveiling of ADC as the coalition platform,” a source revealed.

“They all want to know the direction of the coalition, whether it is going to the South or to the North. But I know that many, if not all of them, will join once the party leadership makes its position on zoning known.”

The coalition reportedly plans to launch its full structure once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases the 2027 election timetable.

“The party leadership has hit the ground running so that when INEC releases the election timetable, decisions will be taken to enable them and other Nigerians to join the party as soon as possible,” another source noted.

ADC Confirms At Least Seven Potential Presidential Hopefuls

Former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, has confirmed that no fewer than seven prominent coalition leaders are being encouraged by their supporters to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.

In an interview with Punch, Nwosu said the ADC would conduct an open and transparent selection process for its candidate.

“There are some people who want Aregbesola to run. There are also people who are rooting for Dr Ganiyu Bamidele Ajadi to run. There are also people rooting for Amaechi to run. There are also those calling for Atiku to run. El-Rufai also has his own plan. Even Sule Lamido is also running,” he stated.

Nwosu described the coalition as a “massive movement,” claiming that:

“What we have built within this short time of coming together is bigger than any political party in Nigeria. Already, 95 percent of the PDP has collapsed into our party with all their networks and grassroots stuff. For the APC, over 35 percent of their membership is collapsing into this movement. The Labour Party is seeing over 80 percent coming to us.”

He added that the goal of the coalition extends beyond politics and power, aiming instead to “rescue Nigeria from the ICU to global reckoning.”

Political Landscape Shifts Ahead of 2027

With PDP tightening internal control, and the ADC gaining strength as the chosen platform for a unified opposition front, Nigeria’s political terrain is witnessing one of its most significant transformations since 1999.

The future of the opposition movement now hinges on the ADC’s zoning decision and whether figures like Atiku and Obi will formally defect—bringing their loyalists and voter base with them.

As the 2025 local government election draws nearer, Akinpelu Ibrahim, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Alimosho Local Government, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development during a strategic grassroots engagement in Ward B, Shasha Ilupeju.

The campaign stop was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community ties, mobilize support, and reassure residents of APC’s dedication to sustaining growth in Alimosho. The visit featured high-level endorsements and direct interaction with voters.

Speaking at the gathering, the APC Chairman for Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Tosin Fatoki, emphasized the importance of voter participation and introduced the party’s candidates.

“We are here to discuss our candidates for the forthcoming Local Government election. Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim will be our Chairmanship candidate, alongside Hon. Francis Adebisi as his running mate, together with our dedicated councillors. Your support is crucial, and this time it is needed more than ever. We assure you that our Chairmanship candidate has developed comprehensive programs tailored to benefit the community of Shasha Ilupeju,” he stated.

Also present was the outgoing Alimosho Local Government Chairman, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, who rallied the residents to consolidate on past achievements by voting for continuity.

“We have established a strong foundation, and we believe that Akinpelu and his team are well-equipped to elevate our local government even further,” he remarked.

In his address to the enthusiastic crowd, Akinpelu Ibrahim thanked the people of Shasha Ilupeju for their warm reception and vowed to deliver impactful governance that directly benefits their everyday lives.

“We will dedicate ourselves to transforming our local government into a benchmark of excellence, with modern infrastructure, high-quality education, and improved healthcare services. We also plan to initiate extensive agricultural programs to meet the needs of our community.

Our strategy includes establishing a funding scheme for interested farmers, ensuring that the government becomes a primary buyer of their produce, which will be sold to residents at subsidized rates. Within the first hundred days of our administration, we will also provide financial support of one hundred naira to small-scale traders to help boost their businesses,” he affirmed.

Akinpelu’s plans highlight a developmental blueprint rooted in economic empowerment, agricultural reform, and social services aimed at making Alimosho a model for local governance in Lagos State.

His visit signals a decisive moment in the campaign, with residents now poised to make critical decisions in the forthcoming polls. As the political temperature rises, Akinpelu is banking on a people-centered message to clinch victory and steer Alimosho toward a more prosperous future.