Peter Obi says government is working to stop his 2027 candidacy

Peter Obi was at Madonna University Okija yesterday speaking to students and he dropped some serious claims. He said the Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure he is not on the ballot in 2027, and that forces are working against his ambition. He also challenged President Tinubu and anyone else aspiring to be president to a debate, insisting he is the most qualified candidate.

He specifically referenced the Federal High Court in Lokoja that set aside the earlier ruling directing INEC to register his NDC party. Obi said this is not the end of the road and that the will of the people must prevail. He told the students to go and get their PVCs and not to vote for him because he is Igbo but because he is the most qualified. He said the greatest beneficiaries of his presidency would be the north.

I have to say, I respect the confidence but I am not sure this strategy works. A debate sounds good in theory but Nigerian elections are not won on debate podiums. They are won on structure, money, and ground game. Tinubu will never agree to a debate because he has nothing to gain from it. Obi keeps talking about qualifications but the question is whether Nigerians care about qualifications or about who can deliver results. Be honest, does anyone actually believe the government is actively trying to stop Obi from contesting or is this just a narrative to rally his base?