Peter Obi Should Lead Opposition Coalition for 2027, Says Chief Ameh

Chief Peter Ameh, the former chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has strongly argued that Peter Obi should take the lead in any serious opposition coalition for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election. Ameh believes that Obi’s leadership is crucial for effectively challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, as reported by LEADERSHIP.

Ameh pointed out that Obi has already demonstrated his ability to connect with voters, particularly in the South, where he had a clear lead in the 2023 election. Despite lacking a strong political structure in the North, Obi made a notable effort in that region as well.

He contrasted Obi’s performance with that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in 2023, who relied heavily on his party’s established structure. Despite having the support of many governors, senators, and lawmakers, Atiku failed to secure a stronghold in any key region, signaling that his influence may be diminishing.

Obi, on the other hand, garnered approximately 6 million votes nationwide without the backing of state governors or major party endorsements, highlighting his strong personal appeal and connection with the electorate.

Ameh emphasized that Obi’s 2023 campaign was centered around ideas like production, good governance, and economic revival, which resonated particularly with young voters and those seeking change. He described Obi’s campaign as a “masterclass in defying the odds,” noting that Obi secured 44.5% of the vote in the South and 15.2% in the North—demonstrating his broad appeal across the country.

Ameh further argued that if Atiku had performed as well as Obi in the South, the election results could have been different. He believes Obi’s rise represents a shift in Nigerian politics, one driven by ideas rather than party machinery.

In conclusion, Ameh stated that for any opposition coalition to succeed in 2027, Peter Obi must be at the helm. He called Obi “indispensable” for any serious effort to challenge the current government, highlighting that Obi’s ability to mobilize voters, particularly in the South, and his respectable showing in the North, make him the key to a successful coalition.

“The implications for future coalitions are clear. Obi’s acceptance as the torchbearer for the opposition is not just beneficial but essential for any alliance aiming to challenge the status quo. His proven ability to mobilize voters, particularly in the South, and compete respectably in the North, positions him as a linchpin for electoral success. Atiku’s reliance on PDP structures, coupled with his inability to secure a regional stronghold, suggests that his influence is waning. The coalition’s path to victory hinges far more on Obi’s dynamic appeal than on Atiku’s traditional clout. For any coalition to succeed, Peter Obi is not just an asset; he is indispensable,” Ameh concluded.