Peter Obi says no one can stop him travelling across Nigeria and vows to contest the 2027 election despite political pressure

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has declared that no individual or group can prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria, insisting that every citizen enjoys a constitutional right to freedom of movement.

Also read: Peter Obi Condemns UTME Registration Hardships in Anambra

Obi made the statement during a visit to Peter University in Achina, Anambra State, while reacting to the recent incident in Benin City and warnings circulating on social media advising him to avoid certain parts of the country.

“I am a Nigerian, and I am free to go to any part of this country. It is a constitutional right that nobody can take away from me. But let me make it clear, nobody has a monopoly of violence,” Obi said.

The former governor of Anambra State noted that he recently travelled to Rivers State despite warnings against visiting the area, stressing that such threats would not stop him from honouring invitations across the country.

Obi, who has indicated interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, alleged that some forces were working to prevent him from appearing on the ballot.

“I’m not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said. “Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are greedy.”

The politician maintained that he remains determined to participate in the next presidential race. “No matter what they do, I must contest the election.

Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the centre of the field and declare it started, and let us see what happens,” he added.

Obi also criticised what he described as a system that favours the privileged, arguing for a society where opportunities are accessible to all citizens. “We want a country where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.

Explaining his departure from the Labour Party, Obi cited the prolonged leadership crisis within the party and alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission had failed to recognise favourable court judgments on the dispute.

According to him, the orders were only acknowledged after he exited the party.

Also read: Charly Boy Declares Full Support for Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Election

The former presidential candidate further claimed that there were moves to amend parts of the constitution in ways that could undermine his political ambition, though he insisted that he would remain resolute in pursuing his political goals.