Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has downplayed the growing number of governors backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that governors do not determine who wins elections.
Speaking in an interview with NoireTV, the former Anambra State governor said his performance in the 2023 presidential election proved that political endorsements alone cannot decide the outcome of a national vote.
“It doesn’t matter whether 36 governors are with the president. I didn’t have one governor in the last election, and I won 12 states,” Obi said.
Obi maintained that the focus of the 2027 election should be on improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than political alliances and elite support. According to him, issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and economic welfare should take priority over ethnicity, religion, and political calculations.
“Nigerians Want Food, Not Politics”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate argued that many Nigerians are currently struggling with hardship and are more concerned about their daily survival than political endorsements.
He said the goal should be to build a country where citizens are judged by their welfare and opportunities rather than tribal or religious affiliations.
Obi also repeated his claim that irregularities affected the outcome of the 2023 election, although the results were upheld by the courts.
Promises Dialogue With Agitators
On national unity, Obi reiterated his commitment to engaging with agitators and groups expressing grievances across different parts of the country if elected president.
According to a statement issued by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Obi believes that many agitations stem from poverty, unemployment, exclusion, and perceived injustice.
The former governor said he would prioritise dialogue, consultation, and inclusion as part of efforts to address unrest and strengthen national cohesion.
“I will listen to all agitators, harmonise them and make some sacrifices with a view to bringing the country together,” he said.
His media office stressed that the proposal is not targeted at any specific group but reflects a broader strategy of addressing the root causes of insecurity and division through engagement rather than force.
Obi’s comments come as political parties and opposition figures continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Source: Adapted from an interview with NoireTV and a statement by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR).
