Former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Peter Obi, has expressed confidence in his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the support of state governors for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not determine the outcome of the poll.
Speaking during an interview on Nooire TV, Obi maintained that political power ultimately resides with the people and not with elected office holders, arguing that the will of Nigerian voters would be the deciding factor in the next presidential election.
The former Anambra State governor pointed to his performance in the 2023 presidential election as evidence that a candidate can achieve significant electoral success without the backing of governors or established political structures.
According to Obi, he secured victories in 12 states during the 2023 election despite not having the support of any sitting governor at the time. He further claimed that his tally could have been higher if not for what he described as challenges that affected the electoral process.
Reacting to concerns over the growing number of political leaders and governors reportedly aligning with President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi dismissed suggestions that such endorsements would automatically translate into electoral victory.
“It doesn’t matter whether 36 governors are with the president. I didn’t have one governor in the last election, and I won 12 states. Even after they have taken two from me, I won 12 states,” he said.
Obi argued that Nigerians are increasingly concerned about issues affecting their daily lives rather than political alliances among influential politicians. He stressed that the focus of the 2027 election should be on governance, economic recovery, education, healthcare, and improving the welfare of citizens.
The NDC candidate lamented the economic hardship facing many Nigerians, noting that millions of citizens are struggling with hunger, unemployment, and inadequate access to quality social services.
“What is important is how to make Nigeria work for the poor. A Nigeria where tribe, ethnicity, and religion will not be the issue. The issue will be about the welfare of the people, the education of the people, and the health of the people. Nigerians are hungry today. Nigerians are looking for food,” Obi stated.
His comments come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several political stakeholders positioning themselves and building alliances expected to shape the contest for the nation’s highest office.
While President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to consolidate support across various states, opposition figures, including Obi, have maintained that public sentiment and voters’ desire for improved governance will play a more decisive role than endorsements from political elites.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to be one of the most keenly contested in Nigeria’s democratic history, with major political parties already intensifying consultations and strategic engagements across the country.
