News, Politics

‘No One Owns Violence in Nigeria’ , Peter Obi Defies Threats, Vows to Contest 2027 Election

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 7th, 2026.

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that no individual or group has exclusive control over violence in Nigeria, declaring that he cannot be prevented from visiting any part of the country.

Obi made the remarks during a visit to Peter University in Achina, Anambra State, where he addressed concerns surrounding a recent incident in Benin City and threats circulating on social media warning him against travelling to certain areas.

The former governor emphasized that as a Nigerian citizen, he has the constitutional right to move freely across 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,” he said, adding that intimidation would not stop him from honouring invitations across the country.

Obi explained that despite warnings advising him not to visit Rivers State, he still proceeded with the trip because he had previously committed to attending an engagement there. According to him, such threats cannot dictate where he travels within Nigeria.

He also used the opportunity to reiterate his intention to participate in the 2027 presidential election, stating that attempts to discourage him from running would not succeed.

Obi recently declared that he would seek the presidency under the platform of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), following his departure from the Labour Party.

According to him, his political ambition is not driven by personal desire for power but by a determination to see Nigeria function more effectively.

“I’m not desperate to be president, but I am determined to see Nigeria work,” he said, expressing concern over what he described as systemic challenges affecting the country.

Obi criticized what he called excessive greed among sections of the political and economic elite, arguing that the country’s current problems are partly fueled by individuals who continue to accumulate wealth despite already having substantial resources.

He maintained that regardless of political pressures or obstacles, he intends to participate in the next presidential election.

“All I ask is for a free and fair contest. Let the process begin openly and allow the people to decide,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also expressed concern that certain political forces might attempt to frustrate his candidacy, though he did not provide specific details.

He argued that Nigeria’s political environment should allow equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of background or connections.

“We want a country where the son of a nobody can become somebody without needing to know anybody,” he said.

Explaining his decision to leave the Labour Party, Obi said the move followed prolonged internal leadership disputes within the party. He alleged that despite court rulings in favour of one faction of the party leadership, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declined to recognize the judgments.

According to him, the situation created uncertainty that influenced his decision to join the ADC.

Obi claimed that after his departure from the Labour Party on December 31, the same legal rulings that had earlier been disregarded were later acknowledged shortly afterward.

He also raised concerns that potential constitutional changes could be used to obstruct his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 election.

Despite these developments, Obi maintained that his focus remains on advocating reforms that would create equal opportunities for Nigerians and strengthen the country’s democratic process.