The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to unite with him in what he described as a determined effort to free the country from the grip of poor governance.

Speaking on Saturday in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and his official declaration for the African Democratic Congress, themed “Activating the PO Effect in ADC,” Obi stressed that the “Operation Rescue Nigeria” mission is not about personal ambition but about securing a better future for generations yet unborn.

The former Anambra State governor urged citizens to put aside political, ethnic and religious differences ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that national unity would be crucial to achieving meaningful change.

According to him, Nigeria must conduct credible elections in 2027, particularly through the proper electronic transmission of results.

“Nigeria must get it right in 2027. Election results must be transmitted online in real time, and whoever fails to transmit results will be held liable. Democracy must work. I appeal to you to join hands with me to rescue this country,” Obi said.

Explaining his exit from the Labour Party, Obi claimed he was informed that the Independent National Electoral Commission would not recognise the party’s leadership as long as he remained a member, alleging that the Federal Government did not want him on the ballot.

“I left the Labour Party when I was told that as long as I remained, INEC would not recognise its leadership, and that the Federal Government doesn’t want me on the ballot. But I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom. If they refuse to transmit results, we will transmit them ourselves,” he declared.

Obi also criticised the current administration over rising public debt, alleging that it had accumulated more loans than previous governments and warning that repayment obligations between 2045 and 2050 would fall heavily on younger generations.

He assured supporters that, if elected, his government would prioritise large-scale investment in education and healthcare, arguing that sustainable national development depends on strong human capital.

He further linked poverty reduction to improved security, stating that lifting citizens out of hardship would significantly reduce criminal activity across the country.

Obi announced plans to embark on nationwide tours, including visits to tertiary institutions, to better understand the challenges facing Nigerians. He urged his supporters to focus on the future and the collective welfare of citizens rather than individual interests.

Reiterating his anti-corruption stance, Obi said public office holders must lead by example. He cited his tenure as governor of Anambra State, stating that he discouraged his wife from assuming the title of First Lady and avoided allocating public assets to himself or his family.

“When I was governor, I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy for government lands, but none for myself or my family. If anyone finds any, they should petition me to the appropriate authority,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering, the worldwide coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement, Tanko Yunusa, called on Nigerians to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027. He urged supporters to rally under the African Democratic Congress as the platform for political transformation.

Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the movement, Dr Ben Smith, cautioned against internal divisions, stressing that unity remains essential to achieving the vision of a new Nigeria.

“The 2027 presidential election is not about an individual. It is about a generation, jobs for youths, security for families, dignity for workers and hope for every Nigerian,” he stated.