Obi Declares 2027 Presidential Bid on ADC Platform, Vows to Prioritise Education and Tackle Corruption

Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressing confidence in what he described as an inevitable victory.

Obi made the declaration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the Obidient Conference and Official Declaration for ADC themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.” Addressing supporters, he said his decision to leave the Labour Party (LP) was informed by concerns over the party’s leadership recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, he was advised that as long as he remained in the Labour Party, INEC would not recognise its leadership, alleging that there were efforts to prevent him from appearing on the ballot in future elections.

“I left LP when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, and that the federal government doesn’t want me on the ballot,” Obi told the gathering.

He maintained that he would contest the 2027 election regardless of perceived obstacles. “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, drawing applause from supporters.

Obi also criticised the current administration’s borrowing profile, alleging that it had accumulated more loans than previous governments and warning that repayment obligations stretching from 2045 to 2050 would burden future generations.

Outlining his priorities, the former governor pledged that his administration, if elected, would invest heavily in education and healthcare. He argued that nations that achieved sustainable development did so through deliberate and consistent investment in human capital.

He further promised to confront corruption, asserting that it would be drastically reduced if political leaders and their families refrained from using public office for personal gain.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Anambra State, Obi said he discouraged the formalisation of the Office of the First Lady during his administration, noting that his wife was not elected into office. He added that although he approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy on government land while in office, neither he nor any member of his family benefited from such allocations, inviting scrutiny if contrary evidence exists.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Coordinator of the Obidient Movement worldwide, urged supporters to mobilise ahead of 2027 and channel their efforts through the ADC as a platform for political change.

Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Ben Smith, described the 2027 presidential race as a defining moment for a new generation, stressing that the focus should be on job creation, improved security, workers’ dignity and renewed national hope.

With the formal declaration, Obi becomes one of the early entrants into what is expected to be a highly contested 2027 presidential race, as political alignments and party strategies gradually take shape across the country.