The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to join him in what he described as “Operation Rescue Nigeria,” a movement aimed at repositioning the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi said the initiative was not about personal ambition but about safeguarding the future of younger generations who would bear the consequences of years of poor governance if urgent action was not taken.
He made the call in Uyo during the OBIDIENT Conference and his declaration for the African Democratic Congress, themed Activating the PO Effect in ADC.
He urged Nigerians to put aside political, ethnic, and religious differences and unite for national transformation.
The former Anambra State governor stressed the importance of credible elections, insisting that Nigeria must ensure real-time electronic transmission of results in 2027 to strengthen democracy.
“Nigeria must get it right in 2027. Election results must be transmitted online in real time, and anyone who fails to comply should be held accountable. Democracy must work,” he said.
Obi also explained his exit from the Labour Party, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission would not recognise the party’s leadership while he remained a member and that the Federal Government was unwilling to see him on the ballot.
He maintained his determination to contest the next presidential election regardless of obstacles.
The former governor criticised the country’s rising debt profile, warning that future generations would shoulder the repayment burden.
He promised that if elected, his administration would prioritise heavy investment in education and healthcare, noting that sustainable national development depends on building human capital and lifting citizens out of poverty to reduce crime.
Obi also said he planned to tour institutions and communities across the country to understand the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians and shape policies that reflect their realities.
Reiterating his anti-corruption stance, he said public office holders must avoid personal enrichment from state resources, citing his time as governor when he and his family did not acquire government property.
Also speaking, the coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, urged supporters to mobilise nationwide ahead of the 2027 general election and channel their efforts through the African Democratic Congress.
Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the movement, Ben Smith, called for unity among members, warning that internal divisions could undermine the vision of a new Nigeria.
He emphasised that the 2027 election should be driven by collective aspirations for jobs, security, dignity for workers, and renewed hope for citizens rather than personal interests.
