Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has confirmed his intention to contest again in the 2027 general elections under the party’s platform.

In a 7-minute video shared via the Labour Party’s WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Obi addressed a group of young supporters, reaffirming his loyalty to the party and his determination to push for systemic political reforms in Nigeria.

“I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party,” Obi declared.

He attributed the internal crises rocking both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to alleged interference from the federal government.

“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere,” Obi said.

Recalling a precedent during President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, Obi recounted how he intervened personally with the president to address party interference, which was quickly resolved by then INEC chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu.

“These are deliberate problems caused by the system,” he said. “These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity. You can’t have a system working without a strong opposition.”

Obi also called on Nigerian youths to actively defend the integrity of the electoral process, noting that ultimate responsibility lies with the electorate, not just party agents.

Looking ahead, Obi commented on political longevity and leadership renewal:
“By 2027, I’ll be 65 years old. I don’t wish to continue contesting elections into my seventies. There should be a retirement age for politicians seeking public office.”

Despite acknowledging the likelihood of resistance from entrenched political forces, Obi urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their demand for good governance and meaningful change.