Obi urges youths to treat 2027 election as match for a better Nigeria

Abdullateef Fowewe

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to channel the passion they show for European football into demanding good governance and participating actively in the 2027 general election.

In a statement on Saturday titled, “Beyond Football: The Match for a Better Nigeria,” Obi said Nigeria’s struggle to build a competitive domestic football system reflected wider failures in leadership, infrastructure and public institutions.

“Why can’t Nigerian football be just as good?” Obi asked, arguing that the problem was not a shortage of talent but the absence of systems that reward merit, improve infrastructure, and ensure accountability.

Nigeria, he said, had produced players who excelled abroad because they encountered environments built on “organisation, discipline, and excellence.”

“Great football does not exist in isolation. It grows where there is good governance,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor said facilities and services supporting football in Europe—including stadiums, academies, transport, healthcare, security, and electricity were the outcomes of responsible leadership and citizens’ demand for accountability.

“Nigeria has the talent. What we have lacked is leadership that creates an enabling environment for that talent to flourish,” he said.

Obi said he would, over the next 150 days, engage young Nigerians in town halls, campuses, online platforms and football communities, ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

“The future you admire in Europe can be built in Nigeria. But it starts with your vote,” he stated.

He urged youths to imagine a country where local football clubs attract sponsors, stadiums are filled every weekend, coaches receive proper training and young players do not see migration as their only route to success.

“The 2027 presidential election is therefore more than a political contest. It is an opportunity for Nigerian youths to choose the kind of country they want,” he added.

He called on young Nigerians to register, vote and protect their votes, saying national renewal required active civic participation.

“Stand up. Mobilise. Vote. Defend your vote,” he enjoined.

Obi added that while Nigerians should continue supporting clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid, they should remember that “the greatest match awaiting Nigerian youths is not in Europe. It is in Nigeria.”

“It is the match for good governance. It is the match for jobs, security, education, sports development, and national renewal,” he said, adding, “It’s in your hands, and that new Nigeria is POssible.”