Photo: Mr Peter Obi
By Daniel Kanu
The Media Office of Peter Obi has raised alarm over what it described as a coordinated attempt to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, warning that such a move poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement, the office alleged that the plot is being orchestrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with efforts reportedly dating back to the aftermath of the 2023 general election.
According to the statement, the alleged strategy includes the deliberate destabilisation of the Labour Party, Obi’s former platform, through internal crises aimed at weakening his political base.
The office claimed that despite attempts to restore order within the party, such efforts were consistently undermined by external interference and judicial actions.
It further referenced a 2025 Supreme Court ruling on the leadership of the party, alleging that subsequent decisions by lower courts contradicted the apex court’s position.
The statement argued that Obi’s eventual exit from the Labour Party on December 31, 2025, was a move to preserve the party, noting that court actions followed shortly after his departure.
The Media Office also alleged that Obi’s alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition triggered fresh attempts to frustrate his ambition, including proposed amendments to the Electoral Act said to be targeted at weakening the party.
It cited Obi’s March 22, 2026 visit to former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as another development that heightened political tensions, especially following a major ADC rally in Kano where alliances were reportedly strengthened.
The statement further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of acting under influence by reinterpreting a court ruling in a manner that could jeopardise the ADC’s leadership structure and, by extension, Obi’s candidacy.
Describing the situation as an attempt to engineer a one-party state, the Media Office warned that such actions could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians and undermine democratic principles.
It called on Nigerians, stakeholders, and the international community to remain vigilant and to uphold democratic values, insisting that all candidates must be given a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
The office reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability, urging that the voices of citizens—particularly youths, women, and professionals—be respected in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
