Obi speaks on Atiku’s 2027 ‘last attempt’ remark

In Nigeria, on April 18, 2026, former presidential candidate Peter Obi responded to remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about his possible last attempt at the presidency in 2027 if he secures the ticket of the African Democratic Congress.

Obi spoke during an appearance on the Naija Unfiltered podcast, where he addressed questions about the comment and his own political plans.

He described Atiku as a respected senior figure and said the statement about a final attempt remains uncertain since it depends on future developments. Obi explained that the situation has not reached a point where firm conclusions can be drawn, noting that the use of conditional language shows that events are still open.

Obi made it clear that he intends to contest the presidential election and remains focused on his ambition. He added that any agreement or outcome from party primaries would only be accepted if the process is fair and credible.

He stressed that the method used to choose leaders matters greatly, saying that a flawed process can affect public trust in leadership. According to him, political systems must follow proper procedures rather than shortcuts, as legitimacy begins from how candidates emerge.

Obi also reflected on his past political decisions, noting that he has left parties before due to concerns about how candidates were selected. He maintained that transparent processes are necessary to ensure that those who emerge as leaders are widely accepted.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions within opposition circles as political actors prepare for the 2027 elections, with debates continuing over leadership, party structures, and the process of selecting candidates.