Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he would accept defeat in the 2027 presidential election provided the exercise is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.
Obi made the statement during an interview with Arise Television, where he was asked whether he would concede if he lost the forthcoming presidential poll.
The former Anambra State governor said he would respect the outcome of a properly conducted election, stressing that democracy requires candidates to accept the choice made by voters.
He said the people should ultimately determine who governs them and that he would respect their decision if the electoral process meets the required standards.
Obi Speaks on Atiku
Obi also addressed speculation that he could withdraw from the 2027 presidential race to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He explained that the situation has changed from a personal political arrangement between him and Atiku because both men are now candidates of separate political parties.
According to Obi, any possible agreement involving the two camps would therefore have to be negotiated by the political parties rather than decided solely by the individual candidates.
His comments come as opposition parties continue discussions about possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections, including efforts to produce a strong alternative to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
No Rejection of Atiku’s Running-Mate Offer
The NDC candidate also dismissed reports that he had rejected an offer to become Atiku’s running mate in the 2027 election.
Obi said he could not have turned down an offer that was never formally presented to him. He maintained that he was not in a position where such an offer had been made and subsequently rejected.
He further stressed that the current political negotiations should not be viewed simply as a discussion between two individuals, noting that the parties involved have their own candidates, structures and interests.
Obi and Atiku’s Political History
Obi and Atiku previously worked together during the 2019 presidential election, when Obi served as Atiku’s running mate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, the two politicians contested separately in 2023, with Obi emerging as the Labour Party presidential candidate while Atiku represented the PDP. Ahead of 2027, their political relationship has again attracted attention amid efforts by opposition groups to build a broader alliance.
Obi said he remained willing to support any political arrangement capable of addressing Nigeria’s major challenges, including unemployment, poverty, education, healthcare and economic productivity.
He indicated that his priority was any coalition capable of improving living conditions and creating a more productive Nigerian economy, particularly for young people and vulnerable citizens.
