“I Can Change Nigeria’s Trajectory in Four Years” – Peter Obi

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed strong confidence in his ability to transform Nigeria’s trajectory within four years if elected president in 2027.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi reaffirmed his intention to contest in the 2027 election and assured supporters that his name would be on the ballot. “I am contesting, and I am sure I will be on the ballot. People will have to look at who is competing, who has the capacity, who has everything,” he said. “I think I am qualified; I have the capacity to do the job. I will say it over and over again that, in four years, I can change the trajectory of Nigeria to a positive one.”

While Obi ran on the Labour Party platform in 2023, he is currently part of an opposition coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform. His involvement has sparked speculation about his political alignment ahead of 2027. However, Obi clarified that he remains a member of the Labour Party and is committed to working with other opposition leaders to, in his words, “rescue Nigeria from bad leadership.”

Responding to rumours about a possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi said all well-meaning Nigerians must unite for the country’s progress. “All of us are going to come together as a people. That is my belief — that for us to do the right thing for the country, all well-meaning Nigerians must come together now to rescue the country,” he said.

Obi lamented that political manoeuvring has overshadowed the welfare of citizens, questioning why the needs of the 139 million Nigerians living in poverty are not central to national discussions.

He also criticised recent defections by political leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), likening the development to actions more suited to military rule. “We are not in a military time when you capture people,” he said, reacting to the defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.

While describing Governor Mbah as a good friend, Obi said he respected his political decisions but maintained that leadership in a democracy should be based on persuasion rather than coercion. He dismissed claims that the South-East could be politically “captured,” reiterating his belief that true leadership is built on conviction and collective vision, not force.