Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has alleged that the Federal Government is making efforts to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the claim on Friday while addressing participants at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State.
According to the former Anambra State governor, influential figures within the government are working behind the scenes to ensure he does not appear on the ballot for the next presidential election.
He said he was aware of attempts to block his political ambition but remained focused on his goal of building a better Nigeria rather than being discouraged by the challenges before him.
Obi also reacted to Friday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which nullified an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party.
He insisted that the court decision would not affect his determination to pursue the presidency, expressing confidence that the democratic process would ultimately prevail.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail,” Obi said, adding that he remained committed to ensuring Nigeria’s democracy works despite what he described as efforts to frustrate his ambition.
The former governor also challenged President Bola Tinubu and other aspirants expected to contest the 2027 presidential election to a public debate, where each candidate would present their plans for the country.
Obi said his desire to become president was motivated by his determination to rebuild Nigeria rather than personal ambition. He urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and vote based on competence instead of ethnic or religious considerations.
He added that his vision was to create a country where every citizen has equal opportunities regardless of background, saying the benefits of his administration, if elected, would be felt across all regions.
Responding to the allegation, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed Obi’s claims and urged him to respect the judiciary.
Basiru said Obi should pursue any grievances through the courts rather than accusing the President of interfering in the judicial process. He maintained that the same court which initially ruled in favour of the NDC later set aside its decision after hearing all necessary parties, insisting that Obi should allow the legal process to run its course.
