A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election as a principal candidate, ruling out any possibility of accepting a secondary role.
Obi made the declaration while campaigning for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate ahead of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election in the Federal Capital Territory.
The former Anambra State governor, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the ADC, said his political ambition for 2027 was clear and non-negotiable, stressing that he was fully involved in the race as the leading contender.
Since his move to the ADC, Obi has intensified consultations under the coalition platform, with supporters, including members of the Obidient Movement, urging the party to adopt him as its presidential flag bearer.
Many of his supporters have insisted on an “Obi or nothing” stance.
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has cautioned against divisive rhetoric, calling on supporters to place party unity above individual interests.
Speculations have also emerged around a possible Obi–Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso presidential ticket on the ADC platform, with reports suggesting that an alternative party may be considered should such an alliance fail to edge out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is widely regarded as a strong contender for the ADC ticket.
Kwankwaso’s continued refusal to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) has further fueled speculation about a potential alliance with Obi.
Meanwhile, supporters of Atiku have renewed calls on Obi to consider a vice-presidential slot, similar to the political arrangement in 2019.
Obi, however, appeared to dismiss such suggestions in a viral video circulating on social media.
Addressing supporters, Obi said his participation in the coming elections was as the leading candidate, urging them to support the ADC in the AMAC poll as part of his broader political journey.
“You see this coming election, support us in AMAC; it will help me. Your support in AMAC is critical to our journey. I am involved and contesting the coming election as number one. When I come back, you will see. I assure you,” he said.
