Why I May Not Run for President in 2031 — Peter Obi Opens Up

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he is unlikely to contest the 2031 presidential election, citing Nigeria’s zoning arrangement and his age as key factors.

In an interview with media personality Rufai Oseni monitored by Politics Nigeria, Obi said the rotation of power between the North and the South would largely determine whether he considers another presidential bid.

He explained that if the presidency returns to the North after the 2027 election, he would be about 78 years old by the time power rotates back to the South, making another presidential contest unrealistic.

Responding to a question on whether he would run again if he loses the 2027 election, Obi said the decision would depend on how events unfold.

“I don’t want to say it because people might misunderstand my position,” he said.

He recalled a conversation with a secondary school student who had asked whether he would contest again if unsuccessful in 2027.

“I told him no. If I don’t win now, and the zoning formula is respected, power will likely shift to the North in 2031. By the time it returns to the South, I will be 78 years old, and I don’t think I would be pursuing the presidency at that age,” Obi stated.

However, the former governor noted that if the presidency remains in the South after the 2027 election, another bid in 2031 could be possible, although he described the chances as slim.

“If it’s still in the South in the next election, maybe. But the probability is very slim. I can’t say for sure until we see the outcome of the 2027 election,” he added.