The comments come amid legal and political uncertainties surrounding the registration status of the NDC, following a recent judgment by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State
KaNo —
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is plotting to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, raising fresh concerns over the political climate ahead of the next general polls.
Obi made the allegation on Friday while speaking at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, in Anambra State.
Addressing participants, the former Anambra State governor claimed that powerful interests within the government were determined to ensure that he does not appear on the ballot.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised,” Obi said.
“The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.”he added
However, he insisted that his focus remained on achieving his political objectives rather than dwelling on the challenges.
“I’m rather focused on the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going,” he added.
The comments come amid legal and political uncertainties surrounding the registration status of the NDC, following a recent judgment by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Reacting to the judgment, Obi maintained that the decision would not derail his political ambition or weaken his commitment to the democratic process.
He expressed confidence that the will of the Nigerian electorate would ultimately prevail.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail. Let me assure you, it is not the end of the road. We are committed to this democracy, and those who want to kill this democracy are trying to hurt the society,” he said.
Obi further criticised what he described as “reactionary elements” working against Nigeria’s progress, insisting that their efforts would not succeed.
“The reactionary elements in Nigeria, those who are bent on holding Nigeria down, do not want it to work, but I can assure you it would work. I have confidence that I will pull through because the will of the people must prevail,” he added.
According to him, such engagement would help Nigerians make informed decisions based on competence and ideas rather than sentiment.
“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” Obi said.
He emphasised that his presidential ambition was driven by a desire to rebuild Nigeria, not personal gain, urging citizens to prioritise competence over ethnic or religious considerations when voting.
Obi also painted a vision of an inclusive Nigeria where opportunities are accessible to all citizens regardless of background.
He argued that his administration, if elected, would prioritise national unity and equitable development.
“It is not about Igbo people, but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North,” he said.
However, Obi’s claims were swiftly rejected by the ruling All Progressives Congress, which cautioned him against undermining democratic institutions.
“He cannot be seeking to rule Nigeria and be undermining one of the key institutions of democracy. The judiciary is one of the institutions of democracy and must be respected, whether the judgment is in your favour or against you,” Basiru said.
He pointed out that the same judiciary Obi appeared to criticise had previously ruled in favour of the NDC, questioning why the President was being blamed for a court decision.
“Is it not the same judiciary that said the NDC should be registered even when INEC said the NDC had not met the requirements? Now, the same judiciary has said all necessary parties should be heard before making the order in the first instance,” he added.
Basiru further stressed that it is within the powers of a court to set aside its own ruling if due process was not followed, advising Obi to pursue legal remedies instead of politicising the issue.
“In law, everybody knows that a court that made an order can set it aside when necessary parties have not been heard. So, if the same court that granted the order has now set it aside, why bring the President into this? He should go and settle his case in court rather than drag the President into it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Obi has continued to engage in philanthropic and advocacy efforts, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors.
According to him, the visit was part of his broader commitment to supporting critical sectors essential to national development.
During the visit, he interacted with the institution’s management, staff, and students, encouraging them to remain dedicated to their profession.
“I reminded the students that the world needs them more than they need the world because healthcare is one of humanity’s most fundamental needs.
Obi also expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the institution, particularly its computer laboratory, which he had previously supported.
He noted that sustained investment in health and education could yield long-term benefits for the country.
“It was also encouraging to reflect on other health institutions, such as Iyi-Enu and Borromeo, which I supported over the years and which have now grown into teaching hospitals. Their transformation reinforces my belief that sustained investments in health and education can produce enduring results,” he added.
