“I’m Not Going Anywhere!” — Peter Obi Vows to Run in 2027, Blames FG for Labour Party Crisis

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has confirmed he will run again in the 2027 general election, quelling doubts about his political future amid a deepening internal crisis rocking the Labour Party.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media and WhatsApp groups affiliated with the party, Obi was seen addressing a gathering of young supporters. In the clip, he categorically declared that he is not leaving the Labour Party, saying, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”

His declaration comes amid swirling rumours of possible political realignment and fears that the party’s internal leadership tussle could derail its future. But Obi appeared unfazed by the ongoing rift, placing blame squarely on the federal government for meddling in opposition politics.

“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere,” he said, alleging that the ruling party is fueling internal conflict in rival platforms to weaken political alternatives.

The former presidential candidate drew a sharp contrast between the current administration and that of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He recalled how Yar’Adua once summoned the then INEC chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, to de-escalate tensions within parties and restore peace. According to Obi, the late president’s intervention ensured internal democracy and party stability, something today’s leadership has failed to guarantee.

“Back then, we had a problem in our party. Yar’Adua was president. I went to him and he called the INEC Chairman, telling him, ‘I don’t want any problem in any party.’ We were forced to resolve it,” Obi narrated.

He lamented that today, almost all political parties are battling avoidable crises engineered by the system itself. He warned that this trend undermines democracy and must be urgently addressed.

Obi went further to advocate for structural reforms in the Nigerian political space. He proposed setting a retirement age for political office holders, stressing that leadership positions should make room for the younger generation. Noting that he will be 65 by the next election cycle, he hinted that 2027 could be his final run.

“I don’t want to run for office in my 70s,” he said, stressing the need to rejuvenate leadership across all levels.

The LP chieftain also encouraged Nigerian citizens, especially the youth, not to be disillusioned by the chaos. He said real change will not come from the top but from ordinary Nigerians who choose to engage the system and protect their votes.

While acknowledging that political parties pay agents to monitor polling units, Obi stressed that the real power rests with the electorate.

Despite current obstacles, Obi expressed hope in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He urged citizens to keep believing in a better system, assuring them that transformation is possible, if only they remain vigilant and committed to the process.

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