Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate and current hopeful for the 2027 elections, says the northern part of Nigeria will rejoice in his leadership if he becomes president.
Obi made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He is now a major figure in a new opposition movement operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which aims to bring fresh direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the interview, Obi noted that the North holds the highest potential for economic development in Nigeria, describing the region as rich in fertile land and home to a large portion of the country’s voting population.
He explained that the region consists of 19 states with vast resources that remain underutilized due to long-standing insecurity and mismanagement.
“The biggest asset of this country is in the north, the uncultivated lands in the north,” Obi said. “The criminality we face in the north today, I will deal with it.”
He stressed the need for Nigerians to start electing leaders based on their qualifications and ability to lead, rather than on ethnic or religious affiliations.
“We have voted for incompetence, we’ve voted for tribe, (and) we’ve voted for religion; let’s vote for competence,” Obi stated.
He added that he understands the struggles faced by people in the region and believes he can bring practical solutions that will change lives for the better. According to him, the root of many problems in the North — from insecurity to poverty — is poor leadership.
“I want them to trust me,” he said. “If I am president, the North will celebrate me. I have an idea of the problem.”
