Rochas to Obi: “This Is Not 2023—You’re Facing Principalities and Powers. This Requires Spirit”

Nigerian architect, businessman, and political commentator Arc Uche Rochas has issued a pointed advisory to Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement as the 2027 general elections draw closer. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Rochas urged Obi to take a hard look at the current political terrain and reimagine his approach moving forward.

“Dear Peter Obi,” Rochas wrote, “It is time to rebrand and redesign the Obidient Movement. The challenges ahead have taken on new dimensions. This is no longer 2023. You are now contending with principalities and powers, and this requires a renewed strategy, structure, and spirit.”

The message, which quickly gained traction online, is being interpreted as a reality check for the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate. Rochas warned that the path to 2027 would be far more difficult and complex, demanding more than just popular support—it would require calculated strategy, stronger organization, and deeper political experience.

Observers believe Rochas’ remarks reflect a broader evolution in Nigeria’s political landscape, where influence is increasingly determined by entrenched networks and strategic alliances. While Obi energized millions of Nigerians—especially the youth—in 2023 with a platform centered on accountability and change, critics argue that sustaining and translating that momentum into electoral victory in 2027 will take more than passion.

As the countdown to the next general election begins, voices like Rochas’ are pushing for a transformation of the Obidient Movement from a symbol of hope into a fully equipped political force ready to compete at the highest level.