UYO – Sending shockwaves through the political landscape, Peter Obi has officially declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, vowing that no amount of backroom maneuvering will stop his name from appearing on the ballot.
Speaking at a packed OBIDIENT Movement conference in Akwa Ibom State over the weekend, the former Anambra State Governor delivered a fiery speech that signaled a much more aggressive approach to his next campaign.
The “Bedroom” Ultimatum
Addressing rumors that certain political forces are working to disqualify him or block his path, Obi remained defiant.
“I will contest the 2027 election,” he told the cheering crowd in Uyo. “Even if they decide the election should be held in their own bedroom, I will be there to contest it. They cannot stop the will of the people.”
The statement is being seen by analysts as a direct challenge to the ruling class and a warning that he will not be intimidated by the internal crises currently rocking his former platform, the Labour Party (LP).
A New Political Home
In a move that clarifies months of speculation, Obi used the event to formally align himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He explained that the persistent leadership tussles within the Labour Party were part of a larger plot to “trap” his candidacy and prevent him from running.
By moving to the ADC, Obi appears to be insulating his 2027 ambitions from the legal battles currently paralyzing the LP’s national leadership.
Protecting the Vote
Obi also touched on the hot-button issue of result transmission, which is currently being debated in the National Assembly. He warned that his supporters would not be passive observers this time around.
“If they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them ourselves,” he declared, referencing the controversial INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. “We have learned our lessons. This time, we will protect every single vote.”
The Road to 2027
The early declaration sets the stage for a grueling three-year campaign. While some critics argue it is too early to start “electioneering,” Obi’s supporters say the move is necessary to build a formidable structure that can withstand the “shocks” of Nigerian politics.
With Obi now officially in the race and under a new banner, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling party will undoubtedly be recalibrating their strategies for what is shaping up to be a historic rematch.
