Nigeria’s popular opposition figure and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi says that there are efforts by the Government of President Bola Tinubu to prevent him from participating in the 2027 presidential election, but expressed confidence that the attempts will fail.
Obi said this while speaking at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, following a shock decision by a lokoja court reversing its decision in recognising his party, NDC few months to the general elections and after all the parties had conducted their primaries.
He assured that despite the challenges facing his ambition to save Nigeria, he remains determined to pursue his presidential bid.
“If I tell you about what I am going through today, I won’t be here. Today, everything is being done to ensure that Peter Obi won’t be on the ballot next year.
“But I tell you, they won’t succeed. We are determined because if you live where there is no obstacle, then you don’t have the political will to change the society. It is the obstacle that strengthens leaders.
“I know that for me to get there, I must surmount obstacles. Things will be difficult, but determination is what will take us there. The important thing is for me to reach my destination,” Obi told his listeners.
He further urged eligible Nigerians to register to vote and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing the importance of participating in the electoral process.
“If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future,” he said.
The former governor maintained that his presidential aspiration is based on competence rather than ethnicity.
“I am contesting the presidential election not because I am an Igbo man, but because I am competent. Of all those contesting for president, I am the most qualified,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State also challenged other presidential aspirants, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for the country.
“I challenge any of them to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including the incumbent president. I want to change Nigeria,” he said.