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Peter Obi Confirms 2027 Labour Party Candidacy, Blames LP, PDP Crisis on Government Interference

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has confirmed that he will once again seek Nigeria’s highest office under the Labour Party (LP) banner in the 2027 polls. Speaking directly to a group of young supporters in a 7-minute, 16-second video shared widely on the Labour Party’s WhatsApp platform, Obi addressed growing concerns about his political future and the internal wrangling within the country’s major opposition parties.

In a firm and reassuring tone, Obi said, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.” This declaration was met with cheers and a sense of relief among his supporters, many of whom have remained loyal to the former Anambra State governor since his 2023 campaign energized a large youth base and elevated the Labour Party to national prominence.

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Blames Government for Opposition Party Crises

Obi also took the opportunity to address the ongoing internal disputes within both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He asserted that these issues are not organic but rather orchestrated by the ruling powers to destabilize opposition voices.

“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government, quote me anywhere,” Obi said emphatically. Recalling his past experiences, he referenced a situation during President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, where he personally sought resolution for a party crisis. According to Obi, Yar’Adua demonstrated political maturity by intervening and urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stay neutral and avoid exacerbating party issues.

“Today, in all the parties, there are problems; these are deliberate problems caused by the system. These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity,” Obi declared, vowing to restore integrity and order in the democratic process. He argued that functional political parties and a credible opposition are vital components of any thriving democracy.

Calls for Stronger Voter Engagement and Electoral Vigilance

Obi stressed the critical role citizens play in defending democracy and ensuring their votes count. “Even if agents are paid by political parties to look after their interests, the ultimate decision about the people’s votes counting rests with voters,” he noted. This appeal to civic responsibility reflects Obi’s consistent emphasis on active youth participation and citizen-led accountability in governance.

He urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, not to be disheartened by the challenges facing the country or the resistance from entrenched political interests. “Positive change will always be resisted by those who are beneficiaries of the old order,” he cautioned, while encouraging his audience to remain committed to democratic ideals and reform.

Advocates Political Retirement Age and Personal Limits

In a moment of reflection, Obi also touched on the need for generational change in Nigerian politics. He proposed that there should be a retirement age for politicians seeking elective office. According to him, Nigeria needs to create space for new leaders with fresh perspectives to emerge.

By the time the 2027 election is held, Obi noted he would be 65 years old and expressed reluctance about running for office into his seventies. “I would not want to be contesting for elections in my 70s,” he said, underscoring his belief in the importance of preparing younger leaders to take up the mantle.

His statement comes at a time when Nigeria’s political class is increasingly populated by older individuals, many of whom have held power for decades. Obi’s call for a transition to a more youthful political landscape aligns with the aspirations of millions of Nigerian youths who have been at the forefront of recent political movements.

Labour Party Supporters Rally Behind 2027 Bid

Peter Obi’s affirmation of his 2027 candidacy has already begun to galvanize support within the LP base. Supporters on social media hailed his commitment to remain within the party, especially amid rumors of potential defections or coalitions with other opposition figures. His speech has reinvigorated discussions about how the LP can rebuild its internal structures and re-strategize for the next general election.

Despite the internal conflicts within the LP, Obi’s steadfastness signals his intent to not only contest but also reform and strengthen the party from within. His vision appears to remain rooted in accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance—values that drove his 2023 campaign and captured the imagination of many Nigerians.

As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of 2027, Peter Obi’s early declaration places him at the center of opposition politics and sets the tone for what promises to be another fiercely contested election.