2027: Obi formally declares for ADC, vows to defy ballot rigging

2026-02-16 - 05:50

....Activates ‘PO effect’ in A’Ibom; slams INEC By Egufe Yafugborhi UYO—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, declaring that he is entering the race with full confidence of victory. Obi made the declaration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the OBIDIENT Conference and official unveiling of ADC as his new political platform. The event, themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC,” drew supporters and members of the OBIDIENT Movement from within and outside the state. In a bold address, Obi alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would not recognise the leadership of the Labour Party, LP, as long as he remained in the party, a development he said influenced his decision to leave. “I left LP when I was informed that as long as I remained there, INEC would not recognise its leadership and that there were moves to keep me off the ballot,” he told the gathering. Declaring his resolve, Obi said he would contest the 2027 presidential election regardless of obstacles placed in his path. “I will contest the coming election even if it is conducted anywhere. And if they refuse to transmit election results, we will ensure the results are transmitted,” he stated, drawing loud applause from supporters. Obi used the occasion to criticise the current administration’s economic policies, particularly its borrowing pattern. According to him, the volume of loans secured in recent years exceeds those of previous administrations combined, warning that repayment timelines stretching into 2045 and 2050 would unfairly burden future generations. He argued that Nigeria’s economic recovery and long-term stability require prudent fiscal management, transparency and strategic investments rather than accumulation of unsustainable debt. Outlining his vision, Obi pledged that his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritise education and healthcare as foundational pillars of national development. He said countries that achieved sustainable growth did so through deliberate investment in human capital. “We must invest in our people. Education and health are not optional; they are essential. That is how nations rise,” he said. On corruption, Obi maintained that leadership example is critical to reforming governance. He reiterated that while serving as governor of Anambra State, neither he nor his family used public office for personal enrichment. “When I became governor, I told my wife to forget about the Office of the First Lady because we were not elected together. I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy on government land, but none went to me or any member of my family. If you find any, petition me,” he declared. Coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement Worldwide, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, urged supporters to consolidate their structures within the ADC and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027. Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Ben Smith, described the 2027 election as a generational mission rather than an individual ambition. He said the focus should be on job creation for youths, security for families, dignity for workers and renewed hope for Nigerians. The Uyo declaration signals a significant political realignment as Obi positions himself for another presidential contest under a new platform, setting the stage for an intense buildup to the 2027 general elections.