Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has alleged that forces within the Federal Government are working to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Friday, June 26, 2026, as guest speaker at a leadership programme organised by the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative at Madonna University, Okija, Obi said efforts were underway to block his participation.
—“I’m not looking at the obstacles”—
“If you know what they are doing to ensure that I’m not on the ballot in 2027, you will be surprised. Nigerian government is doing everything to ensure that I do not contest in this election, but I’m not looking at the obstacles but at the destination,” Obi told students.
![](https://www.theconclaveng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hartland.png")
“I’m rather focussed at the fruitfulness of the destination and that is what keeps me going,” he added.
—Debate challenge to Tinubu, others—
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Obi also challenged all prospective presidential contenders, including President Bola Tinubu, to a public debate on their plans for Nigeria.
“I challenge any of those contesting to a debate to say what they want to do for this country, including President Bola Tinubu. I’m not saying it to make you happy but to change Nigeria and make it work,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said his ambition was not personal, but driven by a desire to see the country improve.
