Obi Doesn’t Need Coalition To Defeat Tinubu In 2027 – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, does not need a coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or support from political elites to achieve victory in the 2027 general election.

This position emerges amid increasing conversations in Nigeria’s political sphere about opposition unity as the next presidential election approaches.

In a discussion with Punch, Theophilus Ndubuaku, deputy president of the NLC’s political commission, portrayed Obi as a highly respected politician capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in a fair election. He rejected any notion of Obi rejoining the PDP, describing the party as “crisis-ridden and near-empty.”

“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate,” Ndubuaku stated. “If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the 2023 elections before the controversial glitches. He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos, which shows Nigerians want him in power.”

Ndubuaku further explained that Obi’s political strength stems from his broad national appeal and integrity, expressing confidence that with a transparent electoral process, Obi’s victory is assured. He highlighted that Obi can depend on his extensive network of supporters, both domestically and internationally, to bolster his prospects.

The Obidient Movement, a grassroots organization supporting the former Anambra governor, recently reaffirmed its commitment to Obi, regardless of his chosen political platform for the 2027 election. The group’s national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, stated that Obi remains the most capable candidate to tackle Nigeria’s economic and governance issues.

Ndubuaku stressed that Obi’s appeal spans Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and dismissed the PDP as a credible platform for serious candidates. “No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable platform at this point,” he said. “While LP’s crisis — centering around Julius Abure — has been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed crisis. Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan to fire.”

Addressing concerns about zoning and regional power rotation, Ndubuaku argued that Obi’s competence should outweigh political arrangements. He acknowledged that some stakeholders fear Obi might serve a full eight-year term if elected, potentially disrupting the power-sharing balance, but downplayed such concerns as secondary

“We know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power,” he said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli