Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has officially declared his intention to run again in 2027, reaffirming his commitment to good governance, power rotation, and a people-centred leadership style.

Speaking during a live X Space interaction with supporters on Sunday night, Obi dismissed rumours of a potential alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stressing that no such agreement exists. “If the consensus is for two years, I will serve for two years,” Obi stated, adding that his ambition is not driven by power but by the need to restore competence, capacity, and compassion in governance.

He restated his commitment to serve only one term if elected, arguing that such a gesture would uphold the principle of equity, given that President Bola Tinubu, a fellow southerner, would have completed one term by 2027.

“My character and integrity mean more to me than the title of President,” he said.

Obi defended zoning as a moral principle, not a mere political strategy, recalling his advocacy for rotational leadership in Anambra State, where he said he paid a personal political price but remained steadfast.

Addressing the possibility of pre-2027 political coalitions, Obi was unequivocal:

“I won’t join any alliance born out of desperation for power. If it’s not people-focused, I’m not interested.” He also took aim at President Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, questioning the cost and relevance of the President’s latest visit to St. Lucia amidst widespread hardship in Benue, Borno, and other crisis-hit states.

“By January 2025, Tinubu had gone on 20 international trips, spending 59 days in France alone but not a single night in any Nigerian state outside Lagos,” Obi remarked. “I will not govern from private jets. I will govern from the ground—from the pain, hope, and strength of our people.”

Outlining his first 100-day agenda, Obi listed key priorities including security, education, healthcare, poverty reduction, anti-corruption, and slashing governance costs. He pledged a strict firewall between public office and personal interests:

“My family will never touch public funds,” he vowed.

On electoral integrity, Obi promised to restore confidence in Nigeria’s democracy:

“Our votes will count. The right thing must be done—not after, but before results are announced in Abuja.”

He concluded with a stirring call for sacrificial leadership:

“If you want to lead, be ready to lay down your life for the people. That is the only true test of leadership.”