Former Jigawa Governor and Middle Belt Forum have signalled support for Peter Obi’s 2027 presidency bid.
In a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Jigawa State Governor and top PDP chieftain, Sule Lamido, has declared his readiness to support Mr. Peter Obi for President if the Labour Party flagbearer emerges as the consensus candidate of the opposition coalition.
Lamido made the declaration during a media interview, stating that although he remains a committed member of the PDP, he is open to backing any credible candidate, including Obi, who is committed to “rescuing Nigeria.” He emphasized the need to prioritize competence over regional sentiments. “I’ll support anyone, Obi or otherwise if they have the vision to challenge the APC and save Nigeria,” Lamido said.
Meanwhile, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has also hinted at throwing its weight behind Peter Obi. The Forum’s National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said the North may have no option but to support a trustworthy Southern candidate, citing Obi’s “track record of keeping promises.” Pogu noted that if former President Goodluck Jonathan is constitutionally allowed, he too might be considered, but Obi’s single-term offer appears more viable.
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However, Obi’s proposal to serve only one term has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum:
- Ibrahim Nakande, former Minister of Information, dismissed the one-term pledge as mere political rhetoric, questioning whether Obi’s supporters would agree to such a deal.
- Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai argued that President Tinubu, if re-elected in 2027, is constitutionally bound to step down in 2031, making him a more stable option for a North-South transition of power.
- Arewa Defence League President, Alhaji Murtala Abubakar, criticized the idea of rotational presidency as outdated and divisive, calling instead for a merit-based system not tied to regional politics.
- Alhaji Muhammad Danlami, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, said the North would not fall for another “one-term promise,” citing the case of Jonathan in 2011. He claimed Obi’s politics is “rooted in religion and ethnicity,” and would not be accepted by the core North.
- Anthony Sani, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, described Obi’s one-term pledge as a sign of desperation and predicted the North may favor Tinubu’s second term instead.
- Former Rep. Bitrus Kaze warned that the core North remains skeptical of Obi’s intentions, although he acknowledged that the Middle Belt may support him.
Despite the backlash, NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Alhaji Tanko Yunusa, Global Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said Obi’s reputation is gaining ground in the North. He cited the recent traditional title conferred on Obi by the Pantami Emirate in Gombe State as a clear sign of growing acceptance.
As 2027 draws near, the political landscape is heating up, with Peter Obi’s one-term promise and rising northern appeal positioning him as a potential unifier, if opposition forces can rally behind him.
