By John Umeh
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has firmly ruled out any possibility of serving as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections. In a bold and unambiguous statement, Obi declared, “I’ll run for president in 2027, not as anyone’s deputy,” putting to rest weeks of speculation about a potential alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Obi’s declaration came during a press briefing in Lagos, where he addressed questions on the future of Nigeria’s political opposition and ongoing discussions within progressive circles ahead of the 2027 polls. Dismissing reports that he might reunite with Atiku—his former running mate in the 2019 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—Obi said his focus remains solely on leading the country as president.
“I respect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He is a respected elder statesman and a key figure in our democratic journey. But let me be clear—I am not running as a vice presidential candidate in 2027 or at any time in the future,” Obi stated.
No Going Back on Presidential Ambition
Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party platform, has gained massive grassroots support, especially among Nigerian youths and urban voters who refer to themselves as “Obidients.” His 2023 campaign was largely fueled by promises of transparency, economic reforms, and a departure from traditional politics.
Reaffirming his commitment to a better Nigeria, Obi said, “My mission has always been to offer credible leadership, grounded in integrity, accountability, and development. I owe it to the Nigerian people who believed in the vision we presented in 2023 to continue pushing for that change at the highest level.”
Labour Party Reacts
Officials within the Labour Party welcomed Obi’s clarity, noting that it ends speculation and positions the party for early strategic planning ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The party stands fully behind Peter Obi’s decision. Nigerians saw in him a beacon of hope in 2023, and we believe he is still the most qualified to lead this country into the future,” said Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party.
Political Implications
Obi’s declaration could realign the political dynamics heading into 2027, especially as opposition figures weigh the possibility of forming a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Some analysts had floated the idea of a joint Obi-Atiku ticket to consolidate opposition votes, but that scenario now appears off the table.
While Atiku Abubakar has not yet declared his 2027 intention, his recent comments about being open to stepping aside for a younger candidate added fuel to discussions about an alliance with Obi. However, with Obi’s latest statement, the two figures may now go their separate ways, potentially splitting the opposition vote once more.
