Obi defies threats, insists on right to visit any part of Nigeria

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has insisted that no individual or group can prevent him from travelling to any part of Nigeria, declaring that every citizen has a constitutional right to move freely.

Obi spoke during a visit to Peter University in Achina, Anambra State, while reacting to the recent Benin City incident and warnings circulating on social media advising him to avoid certain parts of the country.

“I am a Nigerian, and I am free to go to any part of this country. It is a constitutional right that nobody can take away from me. But let me make it clear, nobody has a monopoly of violence,” he said.

The former governor explained that he recently travelled to Rivers State despite warnings that he should not visit the state, saying such threats would not stop him from honouring invitations.

Obi, who has indicated interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, alleged that some forces were working to stop him from appearing on the ballot.

“I’m not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he said.

“Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are greedy. They have everything they need, but are still scavenging for more.”

He added that he remained determined to contest the election.

“No matter what they do, I must contest the election. Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the centre of the field and declare it started, and let us see what happens.

“With their 30 governors, they should make the election free and fair,” Obi said.

He also argued that Nigeria’s system currently favours the privileged, stressing the need for a society where opportunities are open to everyone.

“We want a country where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.

Explaining his departure from the Labour Party, Obi cited the prolonged leadership crisis within the party and what he described as the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise court rulings.

“You all know that I’m now in ADC. People have been asking why I left LP. We had been in court over the leadership of the Labour Party and secured favourable judgments, but INEC refused to recognise them.

“When I left on December 31, the same orders they were rejecting were suddenly recognised in January,” he said.

He also alleged that there were plans to amend parts of the constitution in a way that could undermine his political ambition.