As Nigeria inches towards the 2027 common elections, political realignments and speculations are as soon as once more dominating the nationwide dialog.
However one group seems to be crystal clear about its place: the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) believes Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential flagbearer, wants no alliances or elite endorsements to clinch victory subsequent time round.
Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Fee, made this daring assertion in a current unique interview, pushing again in opposition to the concept that Obi ought to think about partnerships with the likes of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar or former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—or worse, return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“He’s a sellable candidate,” Ndubuaku mentioned matter-of-factly. “If not for the glitches within the final election, he was already coasting to victory. Don’t neglect—he defeated Tinubu in Lagos. That’s no small feat.”
In line with Ndubuaku, Peter Obi’s broad-based attraction, slicing throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, locations him in a singular place few different politicians can declare.
“Obi doesn’t want any coalition to win 2027,” he said, dismissing ongoing murmurs of a mega-opposition alliance. “All he wants is a free and honest election.”
The Labour Party chief’s sturdy displaying within the 2023 polls has continued to gasoline confidence amongst supporters.
The Obidient Motion—a free however passionate community of Obi supporters—has already reaffirmed its loyalty, declaring its willingness to observe Obi to any platform he chooses. However for now, his base stays firmly anchored within the LP.
Nonetheless, the query of a potential return to the PDP has floated within the political ether, particularly because the opposition get together struggles with inside discord and a string of defections. Ndubuaku, nevertheless, had harsh phrases for the thought.
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“No critical candidate ought to think about the PDP at this level,” he mentioned. “That get together isn’t just in disaster—it’s close to empty.
The LP has had its inside battles too, sure, however these have been resolved by the Supreme Court docket. PDP’s points? Nonetheless very a lot alive. Why would Obi transfer from the frying pan into the fireplace?”
For a lot of observers, Obi’s clear picture and fame for fiscal self-discipline proceed to make him an interesting various in a political panorama riddled with recycled candidates and damaged guarantees.
However with Nigeria’s delicate political equilibrium—particularly round zoning and regional energy rotation—questions stay about how a possible Obi victory would sit with energy blocs within the North.
Ndubuaku dismissed these considerations. “There’s this worry that if Obi wins, he could keep for eight years. However the reality is, Nigeria doesn’t want eight years to really feel his influence. He’s not determined for energy.”
In the meantime, developments inside each the PDP and APC proceed to form the terrain forward of 2027.
Whereas the PDP is working to reclaim its former strongholds, particularly within the North and South-East, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is grappling with {economic} challenges that would outline the following election cycle.
In opposition to this backdrop, the Labour Party and its main man, Peter Obi, appear poised to stay a significant power.
