Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has indicated that he may not contest for Nigeria’s highest office beyond the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Rufai Oseni, the former Anambra State governor linked his position to Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement, which rotates the presidency between the North and the South.
Zoning principle influenced my thinking, Obi says
Obi explained that his future political decisions would largely depend on how events unfold after the 2027 election.
According to him, if he does not emerge president in 2027, the zoning principle suggests that the presidency could return to the North in 2031.
He recalled responding to a similar question from a secondary school student, saying he has always considered the implications of Nigeria’s rotational leadership arrangement.
Age also a major consideration
The former Anambra governor noted that if the presidency returns to the North in 2031, the next opportunity for a southern candidate could come years later.
By that time, Obi said he would be about 78 years old and does not believe he would still be interested in seeking the presidency.
He, however, stated that a future bid could only be considered if the presidency remained in the South after 2027, although he described such a possibility as unlikely.
Focus remains on 2027
Obi stressed that his immediate attention remains on the 2027 presidential election, adding that future political decisions will depend on developments after the polls.
His comments are expected to fuel further discussions about Nigeria’s zoning arrangement and the political landscape ahead of the next general election.