Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that elements within the Federal Government are working to prevent him from participating in the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the claim on Friday while speaking as a guest lecturer at a leadership programme organised by NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija. He said efforts were being made to ensure that his name does not appear on the ballot in the next general election but insisted that such actions would not deter him from pursuing his political ambition.
According to him, his focus remains on the goal of building a better Nigeria rather than the challenges standing in his way. He maintained that those allegedly working against his candidacy would ultimately fail because the will of the people would prevail.
The former Anambra State governor also challenged all prospective presidential candidates, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for addressing Nigeria’s challenges. Obi argued that Nigerians deserve to hear directly from those seeking leadership positions and assess their capacity to govern effectively.
Addressing students at the event, Obi urged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process. He stressed that voters should support candidates based on competence rather than ethnic considerations, insisting that his aspiration is driven by a desire to see Nigeria work for all citizens.
He further promised to tackle insecurity and criminality if elected, describing the current security situation as a major concern affecting all parts of the country. According to him, Nigeria’s difficulties are largely the result of poor leadership and resistance from forces opposed to meaningful reforms.
Obi also reacted to a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. He described the development as a temporary setback and reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, urging his supporters and Nigerians to remain peaceful while continuing to defend democratic values.