Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, says he will challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election regardless of alleged attempts to block his candidacy.
Obi spoke at the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
The former presidential candidate, who recently joined the ADC, said he left the Labour Party (LP) after being informed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not recognise its leadership as long as he remained in the party.
“I left LP when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, that the federal government doesn’t want me on the ballot,” he said.
Obi said he remains determined to participate in the 2027 election.
“I want to assure 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.
Meanwhile, Obi has called on Nigerians to remain vigilant during the 2027 general elections, insisting that every vote must count and warning against any attempt to undermine the electoral process.
In a post titled “Our Votes Must Count,” via his official X handle on Monday, Obi urged citizens to stay at polling units after casting their ballots to witness the counting and transmission of results, saying public participation was crucial to safeguarding democracy.
“Unlike in the past, in 2027 our votes MUST count, and all those who are there not to count the votes will be counted among those destroying Nigeria,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor encouraged voters to actively monitor the process to ensure transparency.
“I encourage everyone to remain at the polling units after voting to count and witness the counting and transmission of results,” he said.
Obi also warned that individuals who attempt to obstruct the process would face legal consequences.
“Those who refuse to allow the votes count will be made to count the full weight of the law against rigging,” he stated.
Obi added that anyone undermining the electoral process would be held accountable for damaging the country’s democratic future.
“Let me reiterate: if you do not count our votes, we will count you among those who destroy our democracy, thereby destroying our future, and you must answer to the law,” he said.
INEC earlier released the schedule, fixing party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026, for the nomination of candidates.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will be held on March 6, 2027.