“Obidients Won’t Vote Obi If He’s Running With Atiku Abubakar.” — Analyst

— Peter Obi

By St. Johnson Adegboyega

Sharing his views during an interview on Channels Television, political analyst Jide Ojo has spoken about the growing talks around Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential election, especially the possibility of him running on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

According to Ojo, Obi’s confidence about being on the 2027 ballot may suggest that he already has an understanding with the leadership of the ADC. He believes there could be behind-the-scenes negotiations that might see former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stepping aside to allow Obi to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

Ojo explained that it would be difficult for Obi to suddenly move from one party to another and become a presidential candidate within a very short time, especially if new political parties are licensed by INEC early next year. This, he said, makes it unlikely that Obi is acting without a clear plan.

He also pointed out concerns coming from the Obidients movement, a group of Obi’s loyal supporters. From what Ojo has gathered, members of the movement have warned Obi that they would not support him if he agrees to run as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate.

This warning, he said, is serious and could affect Obi’s political decisions.

Ojo further noted that Atiku is widely seen as more experienced in politics than Obi. He added that discussions reportedly going on may include an agreement where Obi would serve only one term as president if Atiku steps down for him.

In his words, “Obidents movement, from what we learned, has warned him that they will not vote for him if he’s running mate with Atiku Abubakar.”