Peter Obi Calls On Northern Nigerians To Trust Him — Denies Atiku Running Mate Rumors, Confirms 2027 Presidential Run Under ADC

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on Northern elites and voters to trust him with their votes in the 2027 presidential election, promising to protect their interests if elected.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Sunday, Obi emphasized that Nigerians should choose candidates based on competence, not regional origin.

“I want the North to trust me. The biggest asset in this country is the North. Look at the landmass. If I am President, the North will embrace me,” he said.

Obi hinted that he plans to contest the 2027 presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), denying reports suggesting a deal to be former PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar’s running mate.

“I am going to contest Nigeria’s presidency. I am a member of the ADC but nobody has discussed with me to be VP. I don’t know where that is coming from,” he said.

Addressing criticisms over his alliance with the ADC, which includes some political figures with controversial reputations, Obi stressed the need for inclusive leadership to transform Nigeria.

“You need everybody. Your job as a leader is to change everybody because we all want good governance,” he explained.

On governance, Obi reiterated his belief that a single term of four years is sufficient to set Nigeria on the right path.

“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance… In two years, there have been maximum damage. Two years can change it in a good direction,” he said.

Obi also criticized the current Tinubu-led administration, pledging to bring discipline, competence, and civility if elected.

“We’re going to ensure that we remove Tinubu’s government by all lawful means. I will govern within the law, I will bring civility to Nigeria, and I will appoint competent people into office. I will not be Minister of Petroleum,” he stated.

He clarified that his coalition under the ADC does not represent a departure from the Labour Party but a united effort among opposition forces ahead of 2027.

“There is nothing anti-party in the decision. We are not abandoning where we are. We are going there together,” Obi said.