Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed his willingness to accept a vice-presidential role in the 2027 elections if he finds someone more capable of leading Nigeria.
Obi revealed this in a recent interview with New Central TV, which was monitored by Sahara Reporters on YouTube.
Obi’s statement signals a major shift in his political outlook, just months after his Labour Party candidacy garnered widespread support in the 2023 presidential election.
In the interview, Obi made it clear that his ultimate goal is to see Nigeria work and not necessarily to become president at all costs.
“Quite frankly, for me, I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president,” Obi said during the interview. “I am desperate to see Nigeria work. If I see people who can do the work better, I will consider being Vice President.”
This comment has generated discussions among his supporters and political analysts, as Obi’s willingness to take a lesser role in the 2027 elections is seen as a display of humility and a dedication to national progress.
Obi also revealed that he had been approached by some individuals who suggested he should not run in the 2027 elections.
He said his response to them was simple: “I even have people who say I should not come out in 2027 and I said to them, offer yourself. And we will not put everybody on a scale.”
This shows that Obi remains open to any situation that will benefit the country, whether as president, vice-president, or by supporting another candidate who aligns with his vision.
Obi’s focus remains on finding solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
He emphasized that any coalition or merger he might consider ahead of 2027 must align with his goals of improving the country’s education system and ensuring that millions of out-of-school children are returned to classrooms.
Obi stated, “I will not join anybody for state capture or for winning the election. I want anybody to tell me how we are going to ensure that no child is left behind, how are we going to put those millions of out-of-school children back in school.”
This statement reflects Obi’s commitment to education reform, a key pillar of his political agenda.
Meanwhile, Obi also ruled out any intentions of leaving the Labour Party, clarifying that while he would stay in the party, he was open to discussions with other politicians if their vision matched his goals.
The former Anambra governor’s political career has always been marked by his focus on economic and social reforms. As governor, he introduced several reforms that improved the state’s economy and education system.
This experience has helped build his reputation as a leader capable of tackling Nigeria’s broader challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
However, as Obi signals openness to potential collaborations for the 2027 elections, the political climate surrounding him and the Labour Party remains tense.
Recently, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party, led by its National Chairman, Julius Abure, called for an investigation into Obi and other prominent individuals regarding alleged misappropriation of campaign funds.
At a press conference in Abeokuta, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, accused Obi, activist Aisha Yesufu, and Pastor Itua Ighodalo of diverting over N12 billion and $15 million meant for the party’s 2023 presidential campaign.
Arabambi went as far as labeling Obi a “political merchant,” accusing him of orchestrating the fraudulent mismanagement of these funds.
The party leadership’s accusations also extended to leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni.
Arabambi claimed that these Afenifere leaders diverted over N600 million meant for the Labour Party’s campaign under Obi’s direction, keeping the funds in private accounts.
The party leadership called for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to thoroughly investigate the matter.
These accusations have put Peter Obi and his close associates under immense public scrutiny, raising questions about the internal dynamics of the Labour Party and its funding structure during the 2023 election.
Activist Aisha Yesufu, who played a prominent role in the 2023 Labour Party campaign, has denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless.
In response to Yesufu’s defense, Arabambi criticized her statements as attempts to obscure the truth and avoid accountability.
Obi has not directly addressed the allegations in public, but his supporters have dismissed them as politically motivated attacks intended to discredit his growing popularity.
Obi’s popularity surged during the 2023 presidential elections, as his candidacy appealed to young Nigerians frustrated by the country’s long-standing economic challenges and political corruption.
Though he did not win the 2023 election, Obi’s message of change and progress resonated with many, and his supporters continue to push for his leadership role in the country.
Political analysts have noted that Obi’s willingness to consider a vice-presidential role in 2027 highlights his flexibility in achieving the broader goal of national development.
While some of his supporters might be surprised by his openness to a lesser role, others see it as a strategic move to build alliances and strengthen his political base ahead of the next election cycle.
Obi’s stance also reflects a growing understanding that true leadership is not about occupying the highest office but ensuring that the best team is assembled to move the country forward.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, political observers will be watching closely to see how Peter Obi’s political journey unfolds.
Whether he runs for president, accepts a vice-presidential role, or supports another candidate, Obi remains committed to his vision of a better Nigeria.
His focus on education, economic reform, and good governance continues to resonate with millions of Nigerians, particularly the youth.
Peter Obi’s message is clear: he is not desperate for power but for progress.
“If I see someone better, I will support them,” Obi said, summing up his commitment to Nigeria’s future.
