2027: Obi Plays Down Jonathan Factor, Focuses On Rebuilding Nigeria

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has dismissed growing speculation over the possible entry of former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, saying his focus remains on building a better Nigeria.

Obi made the remarks on Tuesday evening after appearing before the screening committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), chaired by former Ebonyi State governor, Sam Egwu.

Describing the exercise as “democracy in action,” Obi said the screening process reflected the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process.

“This is democracy in action because the NDC chooses to do things properly. So when we say there is going to be screening, it has to be done right,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians deserve to know whether aspirants meet constitutional requirements and can defend their records and commitments to national development.

“Nigerians want to know whether you meet the stipulated constitutional qualifications and can provide relevant documents to back your claims.

“This is the way to determine whether everything you have declared is true and whether you can answer questions about your commitment to building a united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. That is why the screening lasted over two hours,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor also dismissed reports suggesting he had emerged as the party’s consensus presidential candidate.

“How can it be based on consensus? The party opened the expression of interest forms for everyone. I bought my form. As the party stated, I am the only one who has expressed interest. That is all,” he said.

Obi commended the NDC leadership for what he described as a credible and transparent screening process.

Reacting to reports linking former President Goodluck Jonathan with the 2027 race, Obi insisted that democracy allows every qualified Nigerian the right to contest.

“Democracy is about people offering themselves for service and being voted for.

I am not going around worrying about who is contesting. I am concentrating on how to build a better Nigeria,” he said.

Obi maintained that his priority ahead of the 2027 general election is to build a united, secure, and prosperous country through inclusive governance rooted in the constitutional principle of federal character.

According to him, Nigeria must become secure enough for citizens to travel freely without fear, while families should no longer live in anxiety over insecurity and killings.

The former governor also stressed the need to tackle hunger, poverty, and corruption, noting that public resources must serve the interests of all Nigerians rather than a privileged few.