Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said he would ask God why he allowed him to leave his comfort zone and venture into politics if he ever had the opportunity to question Him.
Obi, who is seeking to become Nigeria’s president in the 2027 general election, made the remark while addressing his followers.
The former governor said his involvement in politics had taken him away from his comfort zone, but acknowledged that his current position was made possible by the grace of God.
According to him, wherever a person finds himself should be seen as part of God’s plan, adding that political leaders have a duty to use their positions for the benefit of the people.
“I’m a politician today, but if I ever have the opportunity to question God, I would ask Him why He allowed me to leave my comfort place and get involved in politics,” Obi said.
He, however, said that despite his personal reservations about politics, he believed that people must make the best of whatever position they find themselves in.
“But wherever we find ourselves is where God wants us to be, and we must do everything we can for the benefit of the masses,” he added.
Obi also stressed the need for leaders to remain humble and avoid abusing the opportunities given to them.
“I’m here by the grace of God and I must not abuse his grace, whether it’s in a private, corporate, or in government,” he said.
His comments came as the former governor continues to position himself for another presidential contest in 2027.
Obi has had a long political journey, moving through different political parties since he entered public office.
He first became governor of Anambra State on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. His tenure was marked by his focus on financial management, infrastructure and public spending, issues he has continued to highlight in his political campaigns.
After leaving office as governor, Obi moved to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where he became the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential election.
The pair contested against the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Obi later left the PDP in 2022 and joined the Labour Party, LP, ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
His decision to contest under the LP platform generated strong support, especially among young Nigerians and voters who were dissatisfied with the two major political parties.
Although he did not win the election, Obi came third behind Bola Tinubu of the APC and Atiku of the PDP.
The 2023 election also significantly increased Obi’s national profile, with his campaign built largely around calls for a new political direction and improved management of Nigeria’s resources.
His supporters, popularly known as the “Obidients”, became a major force in the election and remained active after the polls.
Obi has since remained active in national politics and has continued to criticise government policies, particularly over the economy, insecurity, unemployment and the cost of living.
He has also maintained that Nigeria needs leaders who can make better use of the country’s resources and improve the standard of living of citizens.
Ahead of the 2027 election, Obi has again entered the presidential race, this time on the platform of the NDC.
His movement to the NDC is part of a wider realignment among opposition politicians ahead of the next presidential election.
The 2027 contest is expected to feature several major political figures and parties, with the ruling APC seeking to retain power and opposition groups working to build a strong challenge.
Obi’s latest comments also reflect the personal dimension of his political journey, as he acknowledged the challenges that come with public service.
While he did not say he regretted entering politics, his statement suggested that his decision to move from a relatively comfortable private-sector life into the often turbulent world of Nigerian politics came with significant sacrifices.
The former governor has repeatedly presented his political ambition as a desire to contribute to the development of Nigeria rather than an attempt to acquire power for personal benefit.
His supporters have pointed to his emphasis on accountability, prudent spending and human capital development as some of the reasons for his continued popularity among sections of the electorate.
However, the former governor faces a more complex political environment going into 2027, with the opposition expected to battle over alliances, candidates and voter support.
For Obi, the challenge will be to convert the support he gained in 2023 into a broader national coalition capable of winning the presidency.
As the political activities ahead of the 2027 election gather momentum, his decision to contest again is likely to remain a major factor in the opposition’s efforts to challenge the ruling party.
For now, Obi says he sees his political journey as a responsibility entrusted to him by God, insisting that whatever position a person occupies must be used to serve the people.