2027 May Be My Final Presidential Contest, Says Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has revealed that the 2027 general election could be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president, citing his age and the need for younger Nigerians to take on greater leadership responsibilities.

Obi made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday night, where he reflected on his political future and the demands of the nation’s highest office.

The former Anambra State governor has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s presidential politics over the past decade. He served as the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 election before contesting the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party. In May 2026, he emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on whether he would seek the presidency beyond 2027, Obi suggested that the forthcoming election may mark the end of his presidential ambitions.

“It depends on who wins,” he said.

“But I can tell you, I’m coming to the end of it because I believe that the younger ones should be allowed.”

Obi explained that age is a major consideration, noting that the physical and mental demands of leading Nigeria require considerable strength and energy.

“I’ll be 68 or 69. So, if you add that to another eight years, I will be 77 or 78. I don’t think I’ll have the energy I have today because that capacity is very important. It’s critical,” he said.

He reiterated that while the outcome of the 2027 election would influence his next political steps, he remains convinced that Nigeria’s future depends on creating more opportunities for younger leaders to take the reins of governance.