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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he will concede defeat in the 2027 presidential election if the poll is free, fair and credible.

Obi made the declaration during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, insisting that he would respect the choice of Nigerians if they opted for another candidate.

“If the election is free, fair and credible, I will because it’s an election. It’s the people that would say who they want to serve, and I will respect the will of the people; that’s democracy,” he said.

However, the former Anambra State governor maintained that he won the 2023 presidential election, insisting that those who conducted the poll were aware of what transpired.

“I did, and I will maintain that as long as I live that I won the 2023 election. Those who conducted it know the records; they know why there was a glitch and what happened,” Obi said.

‘Presidency Must Not Be About Tribe, Religion’

Addressing the argument that Nigeria’s presidency should operate on a “turn-by-turn” basis among regions, Obi said electoral choices should be based on competence rather than ethnicity or religion.

He argued that he possesses the qualifications and experience required to lead the country, adding that his exposure to institutions and systems around the world had prepared him for the presidency.

“Election should not be driven by tribe or religion. Today, in terms of qualification, I’m qualified to be president of Nigeria. I have the competence,” he said.

Obi also highlighted his educational background, citing studies at institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Columbia and Kellogg.

He challenged anyone with evidence questioning the authenticity of his qualifications to come forward, saying he would withdraw from the presidential race if any of his certificates were proven to be false.

“If they find anyone wrong, I will drop from the race,” he said.

Obi Questions Lack of Youth Representation

The NDC candidate also criticised what he described as the prolonged absence of younger Nigerians from the presidency since independence.

According to Obi, no Nigerian born after 1960 has served as president despite the country’s large youthful population.

“Since 1960, nobody born outside 1960 has been president of Nigeria. This is 66 years of independence; no other country in the world has had this happen to, and they tell youths they’re the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

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Women from Taraba Central have thrown their weight behind Senator Haruna Manu, Governor Agbu Kefas, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made at a gathering in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, led by the women’s leader, Hon. Rose Somaliya.

Speaking at the event, Somaliya said the APC administration had made significant progress in addressing development challenges across the country, arguing that the party’s leaders deserved continued support ahead of the 2027 polls.

She said the women were backing the APC candidates because of what she described as visible development initiatives and the need for continuity in governance.

Representing Senator Haruna Manu, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Muslim Aruwa, thanked the women for their support and confidence in the APC leadership.

Aruwa highlighted what he described as Senator Manu’s developmental contributions to Taraba Central, as well as Governor Kefas’ efforts across the state.

He urged the women to sustain their support and mobilisation as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 2027 vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has warned governors against attempting to prevent him and other opposition leaders from entering their states to campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso said governors who believe they can stop opposition candidates from visiting their states are making a serious mistake, stressing that political leaders should not use their positions to restrict legitimate political activities.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate said Nigeria must remain bigger than any election or administration, suggesting that political contests should not be allowed to undermine the country’s unity or democratic process.

His comments come as the NDC intensifies its political activities and outreach ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party seeking support across different parts of the country.

Kwankwaso, who is running alongside Peter Obi on the NDC ticket, has in recent weeks been involved in political consultations and engagements across northern states as the opposition party builds its campaign structure.

The former Kano State governor said attempts by state governors to restrict opposition movements would not stop the party from engaging Nigerians and presenting its political message across the country.

He stressed that every political party and candidate should be given the opportunity to meet voters, explain their programmes and seek support without unnecessary restrictions or intimidation.

Kwankwaso’s warning adds to growing political tension ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties increasingly challenging the influence of incumbent governors and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the states.