Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s flagbearer in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential race, has indicated that the 2027 elections may serve as his final attempt at securing the presidency. While reaffirming his commitment to run again on the Labour Party platform, Obi subtly alluded to the possibility of stepping away from frontline politics thereafter.
In a seven-minute, 16-second video that quickly gained traction across the party’s WhatsApp channels, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi informally addressed a group of young Nigerians, offering candid insights into his political future.
Reflecting on the road ahead, Obi revealed that he would be 65 years old by the time of the 2027 general elections—a milestone he hinted could mark the end of his quest for public office. He suggested that the next presidential race may well be his final attempt, as he may not be inclined to remain in active politics beyond that age.
“I believe we should have a retirement age for politicians. By 2027, I will be 65. If the presidency goes back to the North in 2031, it may not return to the South until 2039 — by then, I will be 77. I wouldn’t want to run for office at that age. It would make a mess of everything,” he said.
Despite suggesting that he may not return to the ballot beyond 2027, Obi assured his audience of continued support for young Nigerians who are serious about national transformation.
“Even if I’m not contesting, I will always support those of you who are committed to real change, with whatever resources I can provide,” he stated.
“It’s a recent video, around last week, yes. But I can’t remember the exact day that it held,” Ibrahim said.
Addressing internal crises in opposition parties, Obi blamed the ruling government for fuelling the turmoil in both the LP and Peoples Democratic Party.
“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere,” he declared, adding that interference in party affairs was a calculated effort to weaken the opposition.
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He recalled how former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua once intervened in a similar situation to ensure internal stability within political parties.
Obi said, “Back then, I went to President Yar’Adua. He called the INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, and said he didn’t want any issues in any political party. The problems were fixed. But today, every party is facing one crisis or another — and it is deliberate.”
Peter Obi emphasized that a vibrant and functional democracy in Nigeria is impossible without a robust and credible opposition. He reaffirmed his commitment to confronting and addressing the institutional weaknesses undermining the political landscape, should he be given the mandate to lead.
The former Anambra State governor also called on citizens to take an active role in safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral process. He warned that genuine reforms would inevitably face pushback from entrenched interests profiting from the status quo, and stressed that only a vigilant and engaged electorate could drive the change the country so urgently needs.