Focus on Governance, Not 2027 Elections – Peter Obi Urges Politicians

Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued an appeal to Nigerian politicians to stop fixating on the 2027 elections and instead focus on delivering meaningful governance that impacts the lives of the people.

Speaking on Friday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar after addressing students from the University of Calabar’s Dentistry Department, Obi stressed the urgent need for leaders to redirect national conversations from politics to development.

“We politicians must stop discussing politics and start discussing the development of the people,” Obi declared. “We must invest in real, measurable areas of progress, such as education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. And none of this can happen unless we invest directly in our people.”

Emphasizing that governance should be people-centered, the former Anambra State governor stated, “Service is about our people. We need to create awareness and shift our daily conversations from power struggles to governance and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.”

Obi expressed concern about the country’s priorities, pointing out the contradiction in government officials spending millions on luxury cars while students lack basic learning tools. “Our young people need quality education. They don’t have classrooms or chairs, yet politicians live like celebrities. That system needs to be dismantled. We must redirect resources to critical sectors.”

During the visit, Obi donated ₦20 million to the University of Calabar’s Dentistry Department to facilitate the purchase of five dental chairs. He urged other well-meaning Nigerians to support the institution in acquiring ten more. Encouraging the students, he said, “Take your education seriously. It remains your greatest asset in competing globally.”

When asked about the 2027 elections, Obi politely declined to discuss future political ambitions.

“I don’t want to talk about politics or 2027 right now,” he said.

“Let’s focus on how the average Nigerian can put food on the table. Let’s talk about how our children can stay in school, how our primary and secondary schools can function effectively, and how ordinary Nigerians can access healthcare and be treated. When 2027 comes, we’ll be there—and yes, I will surely contest.”