As the 2027 Nigerian general election approaches, South-Eastern residents are taking proactive steps to secure their political future by mobilizing for a credible vice-presidential candidate to represent the region in a unified opposition coalition.
This movement, driven by concerns over past electoral missteps and Peter Obi’s perceived political ambiguity, aims to avoid a repeat of the opposition’s fragmentation in 2023. Prominent voices, including a leading youth organization, an investigative journalist, and a regional publisher, Nkiruka Nistoran have issued strong calls for clarity and unity, urging Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to define his intentions or make way for a more decisive leader.
Omenuko Ndigbo United, a prominent South-East youth organization, has publicly criticized Peter Obi for what it describes as “political aloofness” in ongoing coalition talks among opposition stakeholders.
In a statement released on Thursday, the group’s president, Benjamin Madu, expressed frustration over Obi’s reluctance to fully engage in efforts to unify the opposition for 2027. “We are not happy with Peter Obi,” Madu said. “Instead of joining hands with others to rescue Nigeria, he seems to be focused only on himself. This is not the time for selfish politics.”
Madu accused Obi of contributing to the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory in 2023 by refusing to collaborate with other opposition candidates, a move he warned could jeopardize the South-East’s long-standing aspiration for an Igbo presidency. “Obi’s refusal to work with other opposition leaders last time helped the APC win. If he repeats that behavior, he could again sabotage our chances especially when the opportunity for an Igbo presidency is so ripe,” Madu stated. With the presidency currently held by the South, he emphasized that 2027 or 2031 offers a unique chance for the South-East to secure the nation’s highest office, but only through a united opposition.
Madu also raised concerns about Obi’s recent political silence, noting that it has fueled suspicions about his intentions. He referenced criticisms from APC-aligned commentators like Reno Omokri and journalist David Hundeyin, who have warned about the dangers of opposition fragmentation. “Obi is not fully part of the plans, and it’s starting to look like he is playing another game,” Madu said. “Nigerians deserve honesty. Peter Obi should stop pretending and tell us where he stands.” He urged Obi to end his “political ambiguity” and commit to the cause of opposition unity and SouthEast representation.
Adding to the chorus, investigative journalist David Hundeyin issued a passionate plea for Obi to clarify his political intentions for 2027 or step aside. In a fiery public statement, Hundeyin described Obi as the “single biggest roadblock” to forming a viable opposition strategy, warning that Nigeria cannot afford another term of APC rule under President Bola Tinubu. “This is not a fucking game,” Hundeyin declared, emphasizing the high stakes for the country’s future. He criticized Obi’s indecision, noting that it creates uncertainty within his inner circle, the broader coalition, and possibly Obi himself. Hundeyin warned that a last-minute decision to run independently, as Obi did in 2023, could fracture the opposition and lead to another APC victory, dooming Nigeria to what he called a “national jail” influenced by external forces like the US State Department.
Meanwhile, Nkiruka Nistoran, publisher of NN News Media, took to her X handle to rally South-Eastern residents for a new political initiative. In a heartfelt call, she announced plans to form a coalition to identify and support a credible vice-presidential candidate who embodies the region’s values. “This is about our shared future, and your voice matters,” Nistoran wrote, promising to create a WhatsApp group for collaboration and appointing representatives from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo to lead mobilization efforts. She also committed to personally funding the initiative.
Nistoran emphasized the South-East’s history of supporting leaders like former presidents and presidential candidates Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Atiku, and Obi for their integrity but stressed the need for a leader who can not only win but also protect votes to prevent a repeat of the 2023 electoral outcome. “We believe Peter Obi should step aside and let someone else lead, for the good of Nigeria,” she wrote, echoing the call for decisive leadership.
As 2027 draws closer, the South-East’s push for political relevance and unity underscores the region’s determination to shape Nigeria’s future. The growing pressure on Peter Obi to clarify his stance reflects broader frustrations with opposition disunity and the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to challenge the APC. With stakeholders like Omenuko Ndigbo United, Hundeyin, and Nistoran leading the charge, the South-East is mobilizing to ensure its voice is heard in the next election.
