Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has called on all Nigerians to come together and help him free the country from what he sees as the grip of bad governance.
Speaking in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress, Obi emphasised that this Rescue Nigeria project isn’t about him personally. It’s about the future of generations to come, who will have to deal with the results of years of poor leadership. He urged Nigerians to put aside their differences and unite ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The theme of the conference was Activating the PO Effect in ADC.
Obi stressed that it’s crucial to get the transmission of election results right, saying that Nigeria simply must get it right in 2027. Nigeria must get it right in 2027. Election results must be transmitted online in real time, and whoever fails to transmit results will be held liable. Democracy must work. I ask you to join me in rescuing this country,” he said.
Obi explained why he left the Labour Party. He said it became clear to him that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wouldn’trecognisee the party’s leadership, and he felt that the Federal Government didn’t want him on the ballot.
I left the Labour Party when I was told that as long as I stayed, INEC wouldn’t recognise its leadership, and that the Federal Government didn’t want me to be a candidate. But I want to promise you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit them for them,” he said.
He also claimed that the current administration has taken out more loans than any previous government, warning that young people will have to pay them back.
“The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid between 2045 and 2050, when most of the people who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more,” he added.
Obi assured his supporters that if elected, his administration would focus on investing heavily in education and healthcare. He pointed out that many successful countries have made progress by investing in their people.
He also said that he would work to reduce poverty as a way to fight crime.
The former governor mentioned that he plans to travel around the country, visiting universities and other institutions, to get a better understanding of the problems people are facing. He emphasised that those who support him should focus on the future and the well-being of all citizens.
He also promised to tackle corruption, saying that it could be greatly reduced if leaders and their families avoided it.
“When I became governor of Anambra State, I told my wife to forget the title of First Lady, even though others advised against it, because we weren’t elected together. I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy for government lands, but I don’t have one for myself or my family. If you find any, report me to the appropriate authority,” he said.
Tanko Yunusa, the coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement worldwide, encouraged Nigerians to mobilise across the country for the 2027 general election.
He urged supporters to put their energy into the African Democratic Congress as the vehicle for change and victory.
Dr Ben Smith, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement, called on members to stay united, warning that divisions could undermine their vision for a new Nigeria.
“The 2027 presidential election is not about one person, but about a generation, jobs for young people, security for our families, dignity for workers, and hope for every Nigerian,” he said.
