Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has made it clear that no amount of intimidation will restrict his movement within Nigeria. Speaking recently at Peter University in Achina, Anambra State, Obi addressed the growing chatter and warnings on social media following a tense incident in Benin City. He was firm in his stance that every Nigerian possesses a constitutional right to travel across the country, a right he intends to exercise fully.
The veteran politician shared that he had recently ignored warnings advising him against traveling to Rivers State. He explained to Reports that he felt it was important to honor a prior invitation despite the security concerns raised after the events in Benin. For Obi, the ability to engage with citizens in every corner of the nation is non-negotiable, and he remains undeterred by those suggesting certain regions are off-limits to him.
Transitioning to his future political plans, Obi confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the banner of the African Democratic Congress. He pointed to the ongoing leadership friction and internal disputes within the Labour Party, particularly regarding the handling of court judgments, as the primary reasons for his departure. He noted that these developments made it necessary to find a new platform to continue his democratic journey.
During his address, he reiterated that his ambition is fueled by a desire for systemic change rather than a personal hunger for power. He told Reports that while he isn’t desperate for the office of the presidency, he is deeply committed to seeing Nigeria function effectively. His vision remains focused on building a country where the child of a common citizen can rise to the top based on merit rather than connections.
The move to the ADC marks a significant shift in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle. Obi emphasized that Nigeria is in dire need of reforms that strengthen institutions and create genuine opportunities for all. By switching platforms, he hopes to distance himself from party infighting and refocus the conversation on the structural changes he believes are necessary for the nation’s progress.
