A former Lagos lawmaker, Mr. Jude Idimogu, has called on Peter Obi , a former presidential candidate, to shelve his 2027 ambition and throw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ’s re-election bid.
Idimogu, who serves as the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), appealed during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
According to him, Obi stands little chance of defeating Tinubu in the next presidential election , regardless of the political platform he contests under.
“I strongly agree with the appeal to Obi. He should support Tinubu as both leaders are from the South,” Idimogu said, backing an earlier call by the Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for Obi to step down in favour of the incumbent.
He warned that another presidential run by Obi would only divide the Southern voting bloc and weaken the region’s chances of retaining power in 2027.
“This is the South’s turn. Let’s not allow another Southern candidate to disrupt the zoning and help Northern interests,” he stressed.
Idimogu drew a comparison with former President Muhammadu Buhari ’s tenure, noting that despite criticism, Northern politicians united to support Buhari for eight years. He argued that Tinubu, having spent just two years in office, deserves similar loyalty.
“Tinubu deserves full support. He cannot undo Nigeria’s problems in two years. With unity, progress is possible,” he said.
He insisted that a united Southern backing for Tinubu would help preserve the region’s hold on power and ensure a balanced national outcome.
While acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to run, Idimogu urged Igbo leaders to prioritise regional interests and support Tinubu’s second term.
He also appealed to Northern politicians to back Tinubu in the interest of equity and national cohesion.
“Constructive criticism and alternative solutions from the opposition are welcome, but unity must take precedence,” he added.
Idimogu dismissed the chances of opposition parties unseating Tinubu in 2027, stating that neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the African Democratic Congress ( ADC ), now reportedly aligned with Obi, has candidates strong enough to challenge the president.
Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 general elections, has not officially declared his 2027 intentions but is reportedly in coalition talks with opposition blocs.
Source: Gistreel | Read More
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