The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has urged young Nigerians not to surrender their future to poor leadership, insisting that no amount of political pressure would stop his ambition to lead the country in 2027.
Speaking to students during a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, over the weekend, Obi encouraged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote based on competence rather than ethnicity.
He said that although there were concerted efforts to keep him off the 2027 presidential ballot, he remained focused on his vision of building a better Nigeria.
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The Nigerian government is doing everything to stop me from contesting, but I’m not looking at the obstacles; I’m looking at the destination,” Obi said.
According to him, his ambition is driven by a desire to get Nigeria to work, rather than a quest for political power.
“I’m not desperate to be Nigeria’s president. I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. When you get your PVC, don’t vote for me because I’m Igbo. Vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” he told the students.
The former Anambra State Governor challenged all aspirants for the presidency, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate where they would present their plans for the country.
This, he noted, will help Nigerians know what the candidates have in stock for them and be able to make the right choice.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s challenges stem from a lack of committed leadership, and insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment could be addressed through responsible governance.
He also expressed confidence that if elected, every region of the country, particularly Northern Nigeria, would benefit from his administration.
Responding to reports of a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, setting aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Obi insisted the development would not derail his political aspiration.
“They cannot stop me. They will fail. This is not the end of the road. The will of the people must prevail,” he declared, while urging his supporters and other Nigerians to remain peaceful and continue defending democracy.
Obi also lamented the prevailing insecurity across the country, saying no part of Nigeria could currently be considered safe.
As part of his visit, the former governor donated N15 million to Madonna University, stressing that sustained investment in education and healthcare remained essential to Nigeria’s development.
