Dumebi Kachikwu, former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a stern warning to Peter Obi, urging him to reject any political alliance that would relegate him to a secondary role particularly a vice-presidential candidacy under a northern politician.
Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, Kachikwu criticized ongoing attempts to push Obi into accepting a subordinate role in an opposition coalition, describing it as a betrayal of the South’s legitimate right to the presidency after eight years of northern leadership under Muhammadu Buhari.
“It would be politically immoral and a complete sellout for any southern candidate, especially Peter Obi, to accept playing second fiddle in 2027. It is not just unjust; it’s a direct insult to the principle of equity and fairness in Nigeria’s power-sharing tradition,” Kachikwu said.
Power Must Return to the South – Kachikwu Insists
The ADC chieftain emphasized the importance of respecting Nigeria’s unwritten power rotation agreement, which sees the presidency alternate between the North and the South. He argued that after eight uninterrupted years of a northern presidency under Buhari, it would be unethical and destabilizing for the North to attempt to reclaim power so soon.
“The South deserves to lead in 2027. That is the only equitable path forward. We cannot stand by while a few political elements in the North boast and scheme to take back power again. It would be a direct assault on the unity of this nation,” he added.
"They Want to Use Obi" – Kachikwu Alleges Plot
Kachikwu went further to allege that certain forces are actively working to undermine Obi’s political ambition by surrounding him with individuals who are encouraging him to abandon his independent aspirations.
“They are telling him he cannot do it. That he doesn’t have the structure. That he doesn’t have the money. And now they are pushing him to accept being Atiku’s running mate. What nonsense is that?” Kachikwu asked rhetorically.
“Peter Obi has everything it takes to run and win. He has the capacity, the credibility, and most importantly, the support of millions of Nigerians who believe in his vision. To ask him to take the backseat is an insult, not just to him, but to the entire South.”
A Call for Southern Unity and Political Clarity
Calling on political stakeholders from the South to rally around the principle of justice and regional balance, Kachikwu warned that any coalition formed to unseat President Tinubu must have its foundation in the South and must be led by a southern candidate.
“This is not just about politics it’s about restoring a sense of belonging and fairness. Any credible coalition that seeks to present an alternative to Tinubu in 2027 must emerge from the South. That is the only way to unify Nigeria and protect our fragile democracy,” he declared.
Kachikwu, who has often been vocal about the marginalization of southern political actors especially from the Southeast reiterated his firm belief that Igbo candidates, like Obi, have every right to contest for the presidency.
“They told me as an Igbo man I don’t have what it takes to be President. Why? Don’t I pay my taxes? Am I not a Nigerian? We must break this pattern of exclusion,” he said.
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