I Will Not Run On A Joint Ticket With Atiku In 2027—Obi

I Will Not Run On A Joint Ticket With Atiku

OpenLife Nigeria reports that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, reaffirming his commitment to serve only a single four-year term if elected.

Speaking during a live session on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday night, Obi addressed thousands of his supporters both in Nigeria and the diaspora. According to a statement issued on Monday by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former Anambra State governor also dismissed reports suggesting he was planning a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“I have never discussed nor agreed to run on a joint ticket with Atiku,” Obi clarified.

Obi, however, confirmed his involvement in coalition talks, emphasizing that any such alliance must be focused on resolving Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, economic decline, and food scarcity.

“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… count me out,” Obi said, lamenting the worsening security situation across the country.

Promising to bring stability to Nigeria within two years if elected, Obi added, “Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria.”

On internal party matters, he noted efforts by Labour Party stakeholders to ensure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the party in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Obi reiterated his belief in the rotation of power between Nigeria’s regions, saying, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor.”

Reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to St. Lucia, Obi criticized the trip, calling it a misplacement of priorities. “St Lucia is about the size of the 10th largest city in Nigeria, Ilorin. Yet, the President is spending 8 nights there. Since assuming office, Tinubu has not spent one night outside Lagos in any other Nigerian state,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Obi pledged a non-violent, transparent campaign. “We will do things differently in 2027. We will insist the right thing is done before results are announced in Abuja. Our votes will count,” he stated.

He outlined his top priorities for his first 100 days in office if elected: security, education, and poverty eradication. He also pledged to cut the cost of governance, fight corruption, and ensure accountability from day one.

“My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds will be channelled into key critical sectors,” Obi assured.

He further promised to discourage political defections and promote strong opposition politics. “There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties under my leadership,” he said.

Recalling his leadership style in Anambra State, Obi said, “Wherever there was an issue, I was there physically. Anybody who wants to serve must be ready to put their life on the line for Nigerians.”

He concluded with a strong message about Nigeria’s global image: “Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government.”