Peter Obi, a major figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, has announced that he will run for president in the 2027 general election. Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels TV programme aired on July 6, 2025, Obi made his intentions clear to Nigerians.
“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” he said confidently.
This ends weeks of rumors that he might be returning as a vice-presidential candidate — possibly to Atiku Abubakar.
Obi Says He’s Not Running As Atiku’s Deputy
Many Nigerians have been asking: “Will Obi run alongside Atiku in 2027?”
Peter Obi says the answer is no.
“Nobody has discussed such plans with me,” he said. “People are just assuming. I’ve never been approached to be someone’s running mate.”
This clears the air. Obi has no plans to play second fiddle in 2027. He is fully focused on the top seat.
Obi Still With Labour Party — But Working With ADC Coalition
Obi remains a key figure in the Labour Party (LP), but he’s also working with a growing opposition alliance under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This coalition is a strategic move to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is expected to seek re-election.
“I am part of the coalition that will produce a leader with the ability and compassion to fix this country,” Obi stated.
Despite the alliance, Obi made it clear: he hasn’t left Labour Party.
“No, it’s not anti-party activity,” he said. “We’re just planning for 2027. I’m still in Labour Party. But we’ve adopted ADC for that election.”
“Four Years Is Enough For Me” — Obi Promises Swift Reforms
Obi said he does not need more than four years to deliver on his promises.
“I don’t need more than four years. Just give me the chance, and I will show Nigerians what good governance looks like.”
He believes that Nigeria can be turned around in that time. According to him, the last two years have caused serious damage, but two years of focused leadership can change things for the better.
He added, “People want to wake up and see a president who cares. That’s what I will offer.”
The Power Behind the Opposition Coalition
The political alliance backing Obi includes several powerful names:
- Atiku Abubakar (PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate)
- David Mark (former Senate President)
- Nasir El-Rufai (former Kaduna Governor)
- Rotimi Amaechi (ex-Minister of Transport)
- Rauf Aregbesola (former Interior Minister)
All these leaders have now aligned with the ADC to challenge Tinubu’s rule.
The reason is simple — they believe Nigeria is in trouble. The cost of living is soaring. Inflation is at an all-time high. Many Nigerians are struggling to feed their families.
Together, they want to offer a new path for Nigeria’s future.
Can Obi And Atiku’s Past Votes Beat Tinubu?
Let’s look at the numbers.
In 2023, Atiku and Obi together got over 12 million votes. President Tinubu, who was declared the winner, got around 8.7 million. That means the combined votes of Obi and Atiku were about 4 million more than Tinubu’s.
Now, with their forces combined in a coalition, they believe they can win in 2027 — especially if more parties join.
“Even Politicians With Past Mistakes Are Useful” — Obi
Some people have criticized the coalition. They say it’s full of old politicians who contributed to Nigeria’s current problems.
Obi disagrees.
He explained that even people who have made mistakes in the past can be helpful.
“Some of the biggest companies in the world hire people from failed companies to learn from their mistakes,” he said.
To him, the experience of failure can help prevent future disasters. “We need both the people who failed and those who succeeded,” Obi added.
“I’m Labour Party, But We’re Working Together”
Obi emphasized again that his work with ADC doesn’t mean he has left Labour Party.
“We’ve only adopted a platform (ADC) for 2027. That doesn’t mean I’ve left LP. We’re just preparing for the future,” he said.
He explained it with a simple example:
“If I say I’m joining you for dinner in the evening, that doesn’t mean I’ll skip breakfast and lunch.”
In short, he’s staying in LP, but working with others to build a stronger future for Nigeria.
What’s Next For Peter Obi?
Peter Obi has always stood out as a different kind of politician. He talks about accountability, compassion, and working for the common man. Now, as 2027 approaches, he’s building a broader political structure.
With millions of supporters and growing dissatisfaction with the current government, Obi believes the time is right.
“We want better governance,” he said. “We want a government with competence, character, and capacity.”
Whether or not he can win in 2027 remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — Peter Obi is not backing down.
Peter Obi’s 2027 Presidential Ambition
Q: Is Peter Obi running for President in 2027?
A: Yes. Obi confirmed he will run for president in the 2027 elections. He believes he is qualified and ready to lead Nigeria.
Q: Will Peter Obi be Atiku’s running mate in 2027?
A: No. Obi said nobody has ever discussed that option with him. He made it clear he’s not considering it.
Q: What party will Peter Obi contest under in 2027?
A: Obi remains a member of Labour Party. However, he is working with a coalition that has adopted ADC as the joint platform for 2027.
Q: Is Peter Obi still in Labour Party?
A: Yes. He says he is fully committed to Labour Party, even while working with the broader ADC coalition for the sake of Nigeria.
Q: What is the ADC coalition?
A: The ADC coalition is a group of opposition politicians from different parties who are coming together to challenge President Tinubu’s government in 2027.
Q: What makes Peter Obi think he can fix Nigeria in four years?
A: Obi believes strong leadership, compassion, and good planning can turn Nigeria around in four years. He says he doesn’t need more time.
Q: Why is Peter Obi working with old politicians?
A: He believes both past failures and successes offer valuable lessons. To him, experience matters, whether good or bad.
Q: Will Peter Obi switch parties before 2027?
A: There’s no sign of that yet. He says he is still with Labour Party and only working with other parties to prepare a strong coalition.
