Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that the large number of governors in the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not intimidate him.

Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, said several moves had been made to discourage him from joining the race, but stressed that he remains undeterred.

Speaking to supporters in Njikoka, Anambra State, on Friday, the former governor said Nigeria was in a critical state and urgently needed redemption.

According to him, his motivation is not a personal ambition to become president but a deep desire to see a country that functions effectively for its citizens.

“Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground,” he said. “The country is not working because many wealthy individuals remain driven by greed. They have more than enough, yet they continue to pursue more.”

Obi made the remarks while addressing participants at an empowerment programme, noting that some affluent individuals often compete for benefits intended for those in genuine need.

“You will be surprised to see well-to-do people struggling for items they do not truly need. When you visit their homes, you may even find vehicles better than the ones they are fighting over,” he added.

He argued that the system in Nigeria currently favours the privileged at the expense of the poor, stressing that his political ambition is driven by the need to change that reality.

“We want to build a country where the child of an ordinary person can succeed without needing powerful connections,” he said. “I have always maintained that I am not desperate to become president, but I am desperate to see a Nigeria that works.”

Obi also spoke about his political alignment, explaining that his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) followed prolonged leadership disputes within the Labour Party.

“We spent a long time in court over the leadership of the Labour Party and secured favourable judgments, but the Independent National Electoral Commission refused to recognise them. However, after I left on December 31, the same orders that were ignored were suddenly recognised,” he said.

He further alleged that some recent constitutional adjustments were intended to prevent him from contesting the election.

Despite this, Obi insisted that he would participate in the race and challenged the ruling party to ensure a transparent electoral process.

“They may have 30 governors, but let the election be free and fair and we will see the outcome,” he said. “No matter what happens, I will contest the election. Let the contest begin on a level playing field, and Nigerians will decide.”

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