Peter Obi Calls for National Unity to “Rescue Nigeria” in 2027 Elections
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has issued a fervent appeal to Nigerians, urging them to unite and collaborate in a concerted effort to extricate the nation from what he describes as decades of misgovernance. Obi framed this imperative as “Operation Rescue Nigeria,” emphasizing that the mission transcends individual ambition and is fundamentally about securing a prosperous future for generations to come, who will inevitably bear the repercussions of persistent poor leadership.
Speaking at the OBIDIENT Conference held in Uyo, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was also officially declared, Obi articulated his vision under the theme “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.” He implored citizens to transcend their differences and forge a united front to reclaim the nation’s destiny in the upcoming 2027 presidential elections.
A critical component of Obi’s message centered on the integrity of the electoral process. He underscored the paramount importance of real-time online transmission of election results, declaring, “Nigeria must get it right in 2027. Election results must be transmitted online in real time, and whoever fails to transmit results will be transmitted. Democracy must work. I appeal to you to join hands with me to rescue this country.”
Obi further elaborated on his recent departure from the Labour Party. He explained that this decision was precipitated by information indicating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not recognize the party’s leadership as long as he remained affiliated with it. Moreover, he stated that the Federal Government appeared disinclined to permit his participation on the ballot.
“I left the Labour Party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, and the Federal Government does not want me on the ballot,” Obi stated. He, however, expressed unwavering resolve to contest the forthcoming election, even under challenging circumstances. “But I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom. And if they don’t want to transmit the result, we will transmit it for them,” he vowed.
The former Anambra State governor also voiced strong criticism regarding the current administration’s fiscal policies, particularly its accumulation of substantial loans. He cautioned that this debt burden would disproportionately fall upon future generations. “The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid between 2045 and 2050, when many who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more,” he observed.
A Commitment to Education, Healthcare, and Poverty Alleviation
Looking ahead, Peter Obi pledged that his administration would prioritize significant investments in education and healthcare. He pointed to the developmental trajectories of many successful nations, attributing their progress to deliberate and substantial investments in these crucial sectors.
Beyond these foundational areas, Obi also promised to implement robust strategies aimed at reducing poverty and curbing criminality across the nation. He expressed a personal commitment to understanding the ground-level realities faced by Nigerians. “I will tour the entire country and visit all higher institutions to understand the real challenges on the ground. I want to help fix Nigeria now that I have the strength to undertake difficult tasks. Those joining me must understand that the priority is the future and well-being of the people,” he added.
Tackling Corruption and Upholding Integrity
On the pervasive issue of corruption, Obi expressed confidence that its prevalence would see a significant reduction under his leadership. He shared a personal anecdote from his tenure as governor of Anambra State, illustrating his commitment to transparency and ethical governance.
“When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget about the office of First Lady. We were not elected together,” Obi recalled. He further detailed his approach to public land allocation: “I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy for government lands, but kept none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority.”
Mobilizing for a New Nigeria: The OBIDIENT Movement and the ADC
The OBIDIENT movement, a significant political force galvanized around Peter Obi, is actively engaged in early mobilization for the 2027 general elections. Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the global Coordinator of the OBIDIENT movement, addressed participants at the conference, urging Nigerians to channel their collective energy and enthusiasm into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the primary vehicle for achieving transformative change and electoral victory.
Dr. Ben Smith, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator for OBIDIENT, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical need for unity within the movement. He cautioned that internal divisions could potentially undermine the overarching vision of a revitalized Nigeria. “The 2027 presidential election is not about an individual but about a generation – jobs for youths, security for families, dignity for workers, and hope for every Nigerian,” he stated.
The supporters of Peter Obi have made it clear that they are committed to preventing a recurrence of the electoral challenges experienced in the previous election cycle. In a statement released on Sunday, Tanko Yunusa affirmed that the movement is actively engaged in consolidating its organizational structures at the ward and local government levels in preparation for the 2027 polls.
“This is Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as we continue to mobilise into the ADC. The strong words of His Excellency Peter Obi are very clear: we will not allow a repeat of what happened in the 2023 election,” Yunusa declared. He reiterated the commitment to electoral integrity, stating, “In 2027, you will either count the votes correctly, or you will be counted. We must all be ready to defend our votes.”
Yunusa called upon supporters across Akwa Ibom State to intensify their grassroots organizing efforts. He urged for a renewed focus on political engagement, stating, “Today, I call on every coordinator, every volunteer, every youth leader, every courageous woman, and every wise elder: mobilise from every nook and cranny of our dear state. Organise ward meetings. Strengthen your polling unit structures. Register, revalidate, and align.”
The OBIDIENT movement has strategically aligned itself with the ADC, positioning the party as a formidable platform for achieving its political objectives in the upcoming elections.
