As momentum builds ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the Obidient Movement an influential political force that galvanized support for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has made its position clear: any potential coalition must have Obi as its presidential flagbearer.
This stance comes amid ongoing consultations spearheaded by the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG), aimed at forging a formidable alliance of opposition leaders to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which is currently consolidating power ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected re-election bid.
At the heart of these coalition talks are prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and Labour Party’s Obi. Others in attendance at a recent strategy meeting in Abuja were former ministers Aminu Wali, Adamu Maina Waziri, Bolaji Abdullahi, PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, and former senators Ben Obi and Captain Idris Wada.
Reports indicate that the group is evaluating which political platform to adopt for the anticipated coalition, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerging as a leading contender to serve as its umbrella party.
Obidient Movement: No Compromise on Presidential Slot
Reacting to the development, Dr. Katchy Ononuju, a political analyst and former aide to Peter Obi, emphasized that the Obidient Movement—a grassroots-driven force powered largely by Nigerian youth will not support any alliance in which Obi does not emerge as the presidential candidate.
“The Obidient Movement will not back Peter Obi if he settles for a vice-presidential slot,” Ononuju warned. “He understands that clearly. His loyalty lies with the people who gave him this national relevance.”
Ononuju stated that any coalition that sidelines Obi risks losing the Obidient base entirely. He also questioned the feasibility of Atiku Abubakar returning as Vice President, noting that such a move may face constitutional hurdles due to his prior two-term tenure in that role between 1999 and 2007.
“If Obi and Atiku team up, and Atiku takes the VP slot, it could be interpreted as a third term as Vice President. I'm not certain what the law says on that, but it should be scrutinized,” he added.
According to Ononuju, Obi’s continued popularity presents a rare political opportunity that should not be undermined.
“Obi is the most popular political figure in Africa today. He’s not just a candidate; he’s the face of a movement. That momentum must be harnessed for a national rebirth.”
He stressed that the 2023 election revealed deep-seated dissatisfaction with the traditional political elite and emphasized the need for a Southern candidate, especially in light of what he described as the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) “failure to adhere to zoning principles” during the last election cycle.
“The PDP’s refusal to zone the presidency to the South cost it dearly. A coalition built on justice and equity must correct that error. The South is watching.”
Peter Obi: The Symbol of a Political Awakening
Ononuju likened Obi to a symbol of political awakening, saying he draws energy from the crowds that rally behind him.
“Obi is just the visible face of a much larger force the people. He embodies their aspirations, frustrations, and hunger for change.”
He also alluded to the positive impact Obi's political movement has had in the Southeast, claiming a noticeable reduction in violent incidents such as the activities of “unknown gunmen.”
“Since Tinubu’s administration cut support to elements behind those criminal activities, the region has seen a relative calm. But the Obidient Movement remains the true engine of peace and progress in the East,” he asserted.
Ononuju concluded that no other political figure in Nigeria currently commands the type of cult-like grassroots following that Obi enjoys a following that, in his view, even surpasses that of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the height of his popularity.
“Nobody else has the Obidient Movement’s reach. If Obi is not leading the ticket, don’t expect them to show up. They simply won’t.”
What Lies Ahead
With political realignments gaining pace, the months ahead will be critical for opposition leaders seeking to form a united front. While the Obidient Movement’s demands may complicate coalition dynamics, its influence is undeniable.
Should consensus be reached with Peter Obi at the forefront a formidable challenge to President Tinubu's second-term ambition could emerge, reshaping the trajectory of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Post a Comment