2023: Peter Obi announces his candidacy for president

Former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, says he will run for president provided his party’s ticket is zoned to the south. 

Obi, who joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in 2019, made the announcement through Twitter on Tuesday. 

“Yes, I would run for President of our beautiful nation if my party, the PDP, zones the ticket to the south, However, if it is flung open, Nigerians will hear from me as well.” He posted on Twitter. 

Obi’s statement comes less than 24 hours after Sokoto state governor Aminu Tambuwal announced his desire to run for president under the PDP umbrella.  

Obi stated in 2020 that the poster circulating suggesting he will be running alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano state, was not true. 

Obi has always been vocal about national concerns, particularly politics and the economy. 

In an interview with ARISE TV in August 2021, the former governor of Anambra stated that the south-east region must persuade Nigerians that it is deserving of the presidency. 

“We have to persuade others that it should be us. And you know we have a strong case to make for it. However, it must be compelling. We’re not going to put a gun to their heads and tell them they have to come here,” he had stated. 

“Politics is about collaboration and involvement, not hostility. You confer with others and say, this is how we need to do it if we want to have peaceful coexistence.” 

“The choice will be made by the members of the party. It’s not a matter of my or anyone’s opinion.’ It’s the parties, since there’s nothing we can do if we say it should come to the south and the party zones it to the north.”