Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has ruled out the possibility of accepting a vice-presidential role in the 2027 general election, declaring that he will contest the election as the leading candidate.
Obi made the declaration amid growing political discussions about his role ahead of the next presidential race and increasing calls from supporters urging clarity on his intentions.
In recent weeks, members of the Obidient Movement have publicly called on the African Democratic Congress to field Obi as its presidential candidate.
Many of his supporters have maintained a firm stance, insisting on an “Obi or nothing” position as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually take shape.
At the same time, supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have renewed appeals to Obi and his political base to consider a vice-presidential arrangement.
The calls mirror the political alliance discussions that took place ahead of the 2019 general election, when opposition parties explored joint tickets to challenge the ruling party.
However, Obi has now made it clear that he is not interested in playing a secondary role in the next presidential contest.
The former Anambra State governor made his position known in a video that was spotted by Daily Trust.
In the video, Obi spoke while campaigning for a candidate of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.
He addressed supporters during campaign activities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, one of the six area councils in the FCT.
While urging residents and supporters to vote for his preferred candidate in the AMAC election, Obi linked their support to his broader political ambition.
He told the crowd that backing the ADC candidate in the local council poll was important to his political journey.
According to him, the outcome of the AMAC election would play a role in shaping the direction of his future political plans.
Obi stated clearly that he was actively involved in the coming elections and intended to contest as the number one candidate
.
He assured his audience that his political intentions would become even clearer in the future.
“You see this coming election, support us in AMAC; it will help me,” Obi said during the campaign.
He added that the support of voters in the area council election was critical to his political journey.
Obi further told the gathering that he was involved and contesting the coming election as the leading candidate.
He promised that his next steps would be evident when he returned, expressing confidence in the path he had chosen.
The statement has been widely interpreted as a direct response to speculation that he might accept a vice-presidential slot in 2027.
It also comes at a time when Nigeria’s opposition political space remains fragmented, with different groups pushing for alliances and strategic partnerships.
Obi emerged as a major political force during the 2023 presidential election, where he ran as the candidate of the Labour Party.
His campaign was driven largely by young voters and urban supporters under the banner of the Obidient Movement.
Although he did not win the election, his performance significantly altered the political landscape and elevated him as a central figure in opposition politics.
Since the 2023 election, Obi has continued to maintain a visible political presence, engaging supporters and participating in political activities across the country.
His involvement in the ADC campaign for the FCT Area Council elections has further fuelled speculation about his next political platform.
While Obi has not formally announced the party under which he intends to contest in 2027, his comments suggest a firm determination to seek the presidency again.
The declaration is expected to influence ongoing discussions among opposition parties and their supporters.
Political observers believe Obi’s insistence on contesting as a lead candidate could complicate efforts to build a single opposition ticket.
At the same time, his loyal support base is likely to welcome the clarity, seeing it as a reinforcement of his commitment to their cause.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, Obi’s statement signals that he intends to remain at the centre of Nigeria’s presidential race.
With debates over alliances, party platforms, and candidate selection already underway, his declaration adds a new dimension to the evolving political landscape.
