By OBSERVERS TIMES.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has reaffirmed his commitment to run for president again in the 2027 general elections under the party’s banner. He made this declaration during a recent address to a group of young supporters, in a video that has circulated widely on the party’s WhatsApp platform.
In the 7-minute, 16-second video, Obi addressed concerns about the perceived internal crises within both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attributing these issues to external influences from the current government. “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government; quote me anywhere,” he stated, emphasizing that the challenges faced by opposition parties are not merely coincidental.
Reflecting on past experiences, Obi recalled a time during former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration when he intervened to resolve party conflicts. “We had a problem in our party before, in the past. I went to him then; he called the INEC Chairman and told him he didn’t want any problems in any party. We were forced to fix it,” he explained. “Today, all parties are experiencing issues that are deliberately created by the system. These are some of the matters I aim to address if given the opportunity.”
Obi urged Nigerians to take ownership of their electoral power, stressing that while political parties may hire agents to safeguard their interests, it is ultimately the voters who hold the key to ensuring their votes are counted. He encouraged the youth and the electorate to remain hopeful, reminding them that resistance to positive change often comes from those benefiting from the status quo.
Additionally, Obi expressed his views on political longevity, suggesting that there should be a retirement age for politicians seeking public office. He noted that by the time the 2027 elections occur, he will be 65 years old, indicating he does not wish to be campaigning in his 70s.
As the political landscape evolves in Nigeria, Obi’s commitment to the Labour Party and his vision for the future continue to resonate with many young supporters eager for change.
