Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has challenged the ruling party to ensure a free and fair electoral process in the 2027 general elections, saying Nigerians should be allowed to decide the outcome at the polls.
Obi made the remarks on Friday during an empowerment programme held in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The event was organised by George Ozodinobi, the lawmaker representing Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Speaking at the gathering, Obi also explained why he left the Labour Party, stating that the decision followed a prolonged leadership dispute in which court rulings were allegedly ignored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the party had secured several favourable judgments in the courts, but the electoral body failed to recognise them.
“You all know that I am now in the African Democratic Congress. Many people have asked why I left the Labour Party,” Obi said.
“We were in court over leadership issues and got favourable judgments, yet INEC refused to recognise them. But when I left on December 31, 2025, they suddenly recognised the same court orders they had previously ignored.”
The former presidential candidate also alleged that ongoing constitutional amendments were being designed to block him from contesting future elections.
“You see the things they are tinkering with in the Constitution; some of them are because they do not want me to contest,” he claimed.
Despite this, Obi insisted he would run in the next presidential election regardless of political challenges.
“I want to announce that no matter what they do, I must contest the election,” he said.
He further challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which currently controls several states, to allow a transparent contest in 2027.
“With their 30 governors, they should make the election free and fair and see who wins,” Obi said.
Using a football analogy, he added: “Let them bring the ball to the middle of the field, declare the match started and let Nigerians see what happens.”
Obi also criticised the state of the nation, arguing that Nigeria requires urgent rebuilding.
“Nigeria has collapsed and needs to be redeemed. I am not desperate to be president; I am desperate to see a Nigeria that works,” he said.
He blamed the country’s challenges partly on inequality and greed among the elite, saying the system currently works against the poor.
According to him, his political ambition is driven by the desire to build a country where opportunities are accessible to all citizens.
“We want a Nigeria where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he added.
Obi also commended Ozodinobi for organising the empowerment programme, noting that such initiatives demonstrate the importance of electing leaders who are committed to improving the lives of their constituents.