Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore have signalled their intention to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what could become a major political contest.
Obi declared that the 2027 polls would represent a battle between Nigerians and bad leadership, urging citizens to mobilise and participate actively in the democratic process.
The former governor of Anambra State made the remarks at the weekend while officially registering as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state.
He called on Nigerians to take advantage of the party’s ongoing online membership registration drive, stressing the need to build a broad political movement ahead of the next general elections.
“With the agreement of our national leaders, I urge everyone to go online and register and obtain your membership card. We want to register as many Nigerians as possible,” Obi said.
According to him, the 2027 election would be a defining moment for the country, as citizens seek to demand better governance and accountability from their leaders.
“The election in 2027 will be Nigerians against bad leadership. I assure you that it will also be Nigerians fighting for justice,” he stated.
Obi also reiterated that the South-East deserves the opportunity to produce Nigeria’s president, insisting that the region remains an integral part of the country.
He noted that people from the South-East have contributed significantly to national development and have established homes and businesses across the country.
“No zone can claim to be more Nigerian than the South-East. Everywhere you go in Nigeria, you will see someone from the South-East who has built a house and is living there,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sowore has also declared his determination to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, promising sweeping reforms in critical sectors if elected.
Speaking at the weekend in Abuja, Sowore said addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges would be central to his administration, describing reliable power supply as the backbone of economic transformation.
According to him, a stable electricity sector would stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and help tackle the country’s security challenges.
“The whole idea of energy is what will bring about an industrial revolution in this country. If we get power right, we can tackle unemployment, boost the Gross Domestic Product and address insecurity,” he said.
Sowore also criticised the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, arguing that the policy direction of the current administration has yet to significantly improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
The activist-turned-politician maintained that Nigeria requires a new generation of leaders with the vision and capacity to address the country’s longstanding challenges.
Sowore previously contested the presidency under the platform of the African Action Congress in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections, campaigning on a platform focused on anti-corruption, youth empowerment and institutional accountability.
With political activities gradually building up ahead of the next electoral cycle, analysts say the emerging ambitions of opposition figures could reshape the contest leading to the 2027 presidential election.
Obi, Sowore Set Sights on Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Polls
