Peter Obi Open to Vice-Presidential Role if Better Leader Emerges for 2027 Election

By Innocent Eneta,

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed his openness to serve as vice-president in Nigeria’s 2027 general election. In an interview with New Central TV, Obi clarified that his goal is not about personal ambition but to ensure the country progresses.

“Quite frankly, for me, I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work. If I see people who can do the work better, I will,” Obi stated during the interview. He also mentioned that some of his supporters have suggested he should not run for president in 2027, to which he responded by encouraging others to step up and lead if they are capable.

Obi also emphasized his commitment to the Labour Party and his openness to form alliances with like-minded politicians, provided their goals align with his vision for Nigeria. “I will not join anybody for state capture or just to win the election. I want anybody to tell me how we are going to ensure that no child is left behind,” he asserted, underscoring his focus on educational reforms and tackling the nation’s out-of-school children crisis.

Accusations of Campaign Fund Mismanagement

However, Obi’s political journey is not without controversy. The Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Julius Abure, has called for an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of campaign funds from the 2023 presidential race. At a press briefing in Abeokuta, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, accused Obi, activist Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and leaders of the Yoruba group Afenifere of diverting over N12 billion and $15 million in campaign donations.

Arabambi further accused Obi of being a “political merchant” who orchestrated the fraudulent mismanagement of funds. Leaders of Afenifere, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Sola Ebiseni, were also implicated, with claims that they retained over N600 million in private accounts meant for the Labour Party’s 2023 campaign.

Obi has yet to publicly respond to these allegations, but the accusations have sparked debate within the party and among his supporters.

As the political landscape heats up ahead of 2027, Peter Obi’s potential role and the resolution of these fund mismanagement accusations will be closely watched.