Opposition figure and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has formally declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, dismissing widespread rumours that he could serve as running mate to Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” Obi stated during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Asked if he was considering the vice-presidential slot under a joint ticket with Atiku, Obi said such a discussion had never occurred. “Nobody has ever discussed that with me,” he added, describing the speculation as baseless.

Obi reaffirmed his position as a committed member of the Labour Party while also playing an active role in the opposition coalition that recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

“I am part of the coalition which will be able to produce a president with the capacity and compassion to save this country,” Obi said, stressing that his role in the alliance does not amount to anti-party activity.

He maintained that he would need only four years to deliver impactful governance. “I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance,” Obi declared.

The coalition gained momentum following a high-level meeting on July 2, 2025, where top opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, agreed to adopt the ADC as their joint platform. The alliance aims to unseat Tinubu, whose administration has faced criticism over worsening inflation and economic hardship.

Obi defended the inclusion of former officeholders in the coalition, stating that both failures and successes provide critical lessons for effective governance. “You need the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded to move on,” he said.

He also clarified that his dual role in the Labour Party and the ADC-led coalition was strategic and not contradictory. “Today, I am a Labour Party member. I remain in the Labour Party. But we have all agreed to work as a coalition for the 2027 election, and for that, we’ve adopted ADC,” he explained.

Obi added that the coalition could evolve, possibly including more parties or changing its name, but its goal remains a united front to deliver a more competent, compassionate, and character-driven leadership for Nigeria.