Obi doesn’t need coalition to defeat Tinubu in 2027 – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), does not require a coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or backing from political elites to secure victory in the 2027 general election. This stance comes amid growing discussions in Nigerias political landscape about opposition unity ahead of the next presidential vote. In an interview with Punch, Theophilus Ndubuaku, deputy president of the NLCs political commission, described Obi as a widely admired politician with the capacity to defeat President Bola Tinubu in a transparent election. He dismissed any possibility of Obi returning to the PDP, characterizing the party as crisis-ridden and near-empty. Peter Obi doesnt need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate, Ndubuaku said. 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 added that Obi’s political strength lies in his wide national appeal and integrity, asserting that with a credible electoral process, he is confident of Obis victory. He noted that Obi can rely on his network of supporters both within and outside the country to strengthen his chances. The Obidient Movement, a grassroots support group for the former Anambra governor, recently reaffirmed its loyalty to Obi, regardless of his political platform for the 2027 election. The groups national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi remains the most viable candidate to address Nigerias economic and governance challenges. Ndubuaku emphasized that Obi appeals across Nigerias six geopolitical zones and dismissed the PDP as a viable platform for serious contenders. No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable platform at this point, he said. While LPs 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. On concerns regarding zoning and regional power rotation, Ndubuaku said Obis competence should take precedence over political arrangements. He acknowledged that some stakeholders worry Obi might serve a full eight-year term if elected, potentially altering the power-sharing equilibrium, but dismissed such fears as secondary. We know Obi doesnt need two years to revive Nigeria. Hes not desperate for power he said.
