Nigeria, July 7 -- Labour Party stalwart and 2023 presidential contender, Peter Obi, has officially declared his intention to run for president in 2027, shutting down speculations of a potential running mate role to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

"I'm going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it," Obi said during an interview on Channels TV' Sunday Politics monitored by The News Chronicle.

Pressed on whether he might join forces with Atiku again, the former Anambra State governor dismissed the idea outright: "Nobody has ever discussed that with me. People just assume. That's not in play."

Obi reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party but emphasized his active involve...