Presidential hopeful for 2027 and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has said he would prioritise building a credible opposition structure in Nigeria if elected president, stressing that a strong opposition is essential for effective governance.
Obi made the remarks during a visit to the University of the Niger, a faith-based institution, where he donated N25 million for infrastructural development.
The visit also featured interactions with students and members of the academic community.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Obi explained that his frequent movement between political parties was not done for convenience, but due to internal crises and persistent conflicts within such platforms.
He said he often found himself targeted in party disputes, which contributed to his decisions to move.
Obi also addressed questions about his continued philanthropic activities despite preparations for the 2027 presidential race.
He said some people expected him to conserve resources for electoral logistics, including paying agents to monitor votes.
However, he insisted that Nigerians must take responsibility for protecting their votes rather than relying on financial inducements.
“People expect me to save money to pay agents to guard votes, but Nigerians must guard their votes themselves and not wait to be paid to do so,” he said.
While addressing students of the institution, Obi urged them to take their education seriously, stressing that future economic opportunities would favour those who are well educated.
He also reaffirmed his belief in education as a foundation for national development, encouraging students to remain focused on academic excellence.
