ADC 2027 - Peter Obi Emphasizes That His Coalition Move Is to Contest for President, Not to Be Atiku’s Running Mate

 

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stated that his political alignment with a new opposition coalition is geared solely toward contesting for the office of the President in 2027. Dismissing widespread speculation that he might settle for a vice-presidential slot under a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, Obi made his intentions unmistakably clear during an appearance on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.

According to Obi, the recent coalition, which has sparked national debate, is not a signal of him stepping back but rather a strategic move to galvanize forces capable of offering Nigeria a genuine alternative. He emphasized that his alliance with other prominent figures in the opposition was based on a shared vision to rescue Nigeria from the prevailing political and economic turbulence under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

“I am going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” he declared with conviction. Addressing the rumors of potentially playing second fiddle to Atiku Abubakar once again, he said, “This is not in play; nobody has ever discussed that. People assume so many things.”

July 2 witnessed the formal unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform chosen by a newly formed opposition coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. The gathering drew an impressive roster of political heavyweights, suggesting a serious intent to mount a formidable challenge to President Tinubu’s re-election ambition.

Among those in attendance were Atiku Abubakar, Obi himself, and other influential political figures including Victor Umeh, Prince Uche Secondus, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun. The event also saw the presence of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar and a mix of former governors such as Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Gabriel Suswam, Aminu Tambuwal, Abdulfattah Ahmed, and Celestine Omehia.

Also in the coalition circle were Senator Dino Melaye, ex-Youth Minister Solomon Dalung, and media entrepreneur Chief Dele Momodu, alongside lawmakers like Enyinnaya Abaribe, Suleiman Nazif, and Lee Maeba. Their participation underscored the growing dissatisfaction within various political blocs about the current direction of the country.

Peter Obi made it clear that he remains a committed member of the Labour Party, even as he actively engages with the broader coalition structure under the ADC banner. “I am part of the coalition which will be able to produce a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” he said, highlighting the need for unified opposition.

He took a sharp swipe at President Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of being disconnected from the reality faced by everyday Nigerians. Obi criticized the government’s lack of empathy, especially in the wake of recent tragedies and widespread economic hardship. “The president should be ready to die if the people are dying,” he said pointedly, adding that he would never indulge in extravagance or unnecessary privilege if elected. “I don’t need a private jet… For my first four years as governor, I used 406.”

Making a bold promise to Nigerians, Obi assured that four years is sufficient for him to turn around the country’s fortunes. “I don’t need a day more than four years if elected as Nigeria’s president. I don’t need more than four years to provide good governance,” he stressed, signaling a focused and time-bound agenda.

Obi also addressed concerns over support from the North, a region often critical in national electoral dynamics. He reiterated his deep respect for the North and underscored its strategic value to national development. “The biggest asset of this country is in the North — the uncultivated land in the North. The criminality we face in the North today, I will deal with it. If I am president, the North will celebrate me,” he assured.

Wrapping up his appearance, Obi lambasted the Tinubu-led government for increasing the nation’s debt profile without matching improvements in governance or social welfare. He noted that the current administration had already borrowed more than past presidents like Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

With his 2027 ambition now formally declared, Peter Obi has positioned himself as a central figure in a growing coalition determined to alter the course of Nigerian politics. Whether this multi-party alliance will withstand the pressures of realpolitik remains to be seen, but for now, the race has clearly begun.