2027: Peter Obi challenges Tinubu to public presidential debate

Peter Obi, who is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has invited President Bola Tinubu and other likely presidential aspirants to a debate on their vision for the future of Nigeria before the 2027 general elections.

The invitation was extended by Obi during his lecture at a leadership program arranged by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative in Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State on Friday.

“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor also alleged that the Federal Government was making efforts to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, insisting that such attempts would not stop his ambition.

According to him, influential forces within the government were determined to ensure he does not appear on the ballot.

“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. The Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination.

“I’m rather focused on the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going,” Obi stated.

He told the students that his presidential ambition was driven by a desire to build a functional Nigeria rather than personal ambition.

“I’m not desperate to be Nigerian President but desperate to see Nigeria work. Go and obtain your PVC. If you don’t vote, you are hurting your future. When you have your PVC, do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man. Vote for me because I’m the most qualified,” he said.

Obi further stressed that his vision was for a country where opportunities are based on merit and not ethnicity or political connections.

“It is not about Igbo people, but I want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody. We want a country that will work. The greatest beneficiaries of my presidency will be the North,” he added.