Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has stated that the 2027 general elections may be his final shot at the presidency.
Obi, who declared his candidature for the LP’s platform in 2027, hinted at a probable departure from active politics after then.
During an informal address to young Nigerians, he delivered a seven-minute, sixteen-second video clip that went viral on the party’s WhatsApp app.
The former Anambra State governor stated that he will be 65 in 2027 and may not be willing to pursue public office after that age.
“I believe we should have a retirement age for politicians. By 2027, I will be 65. If the presidency goes back to the North in 2031, it may not return to the South until 2039 — by then, I will be 77. I wouldn’t want to run for office at that age. It would make a mess of everything,” he said.
Despite suggesting that he may not run again until 2027, Obi assured his audience that he will continue to support young Nigerians who are committed to national transformation.
“Even if I’m not contesting, I will always support those of you who are committed to real change, with whatever resources I can provide,” he stated.
Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, confirmed it was recent footage.
“It’s a recent video, around last week, yes. But I can’t remember the exact day that it was held,” Ibrahim said.
Speaking on the internal crises in opposition parties, Obi blamed the ruling government for fuelling the turmoil in both the LP and Peoples Democratic Party.
“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere,” he declared, adding that interference in party affairs was a calculated effort to weaken the opposition.
He recalled how previous President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua once intervened in a similar circumstance to ensure internal harmony within political parties.
Obi said, “Back then, I went to President Yar’Adua. He called the INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, and said he didn’t want any issues in any political party. The problems were fixed. But today, every party is facing one crisis or another — and it is deliberate.”
He argued that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive without robust opposition parties and expressed his willingness to address such structural flaws if elected.
The former Anambra governor also asked Nigerians to take personal responsibility for ensuring the integrity of their ballots, warning that any significant reform will be greeted with opposition from those who benefit from the current system.
