The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is making efforts to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Friday at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State, Obi claimed powerful interests were working to keep him off the ballot.
“The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination,” he said.
Reacting to the Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that set aside an earlier order directing INEC to register the NDC, Obi insisted the judgment would not end his political ambition.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail… I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail,” he said.
The former Anambra governor also challenged President Bola Tinubu and other presidential hopefuls to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria.
“I’m not desperate to be President but desperate to see Nigeria work… Vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” Obi added.
In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed Obi’s claims. National Secretary Ajibola Basiru urged him to respect the judiciary and resolve his grievances through the courts instead of blaming President Tinubu.
“He should go and settle his case in court rather than drag the President into it,” Basiru said.
