The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to nominate former presidential candidate Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his candidacy is key to defeating incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, OYC National President Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka emphasized that Obi’s popularity, credibility, and widespread acceptance among Nigerians make him the strongest southern contender for the nation’s top office.
Regional Rotation and Political Strategy
Igboayaka highlighted Nigeria’s informal regional rotation practice, noting that after Northern Nigeria’s eight-year tenure ended in 2023, the presidency is constitutionally and politically expected to return to the South.
He stressed that, with the ADC national chairman hailing from the North, the party should present a southern presidential candidate in 2027.
“Southern Nigeria is slated to hold the presidency until 2031. For ADC to position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it is imperative that the party fields a southern candidate,” Igboayaka said.
Warning Against a Northern Candidate
The OYC leader warned that nominating a northern candidate would be political suicide for the ADC and could inadvertently strengthen Tinubu’s chances of reelection. “Fielding a northern candidate would be a miscalculation that risks consolidating sympathy votes for Tinubu and perpetuating political imbalance,” he said.
Atiku Abubakar as Vice Presidential Candidate
In an appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Igboayaka urged him to accept the vice presidential slot, describing it as a patriotic sacrifice.
According to him, Atiku’s candidacy at the top of the ticket would divide southern votes and pave the way for Tinubu’s continued presidency.
“Peter Obi, as a southern candidate, is widely recognized and embraced by Nigerians across all regions. Atiku Abubakar should play a patriotic role by accepting the vice-presidential position, ensuring the ADC maximizes its chances of winning in 2027,” Igboayaka stated.
Winning Formula for ADC in 2027
The OYC president argued that an Obi-Atiku ticket would secure a decisive victory for the ADC. He dismissed any notion of Obi taking a deputy role to Atiku, stressing that the Igbo people will not accept political subservience.
“The most effective strategy to unseat Tinubu is to place Peter Obi as the presidential candidate and Atiku Abubakar as his running mate. Any alternative configuration would face rejection by the Nigerian populace and could weaken the ADC’s position,” Igboayaka explained.
Strong Public Backing for Obi
Igboayaka concluded by asserting that Nigerians are determined to see Peter Obi on the 2027 presidential ballot, regardless of party affiliation. He maintained that any attempt to sideline Obi would face strong opposition from citizens nationwide.
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“The majority of Nigerians are clear: Peter Obi must lead the presidential ticket in 2027. Any other arrangement will not only be rejected but will likely undermine the ADC’s credibility and political future,” he said.
