The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected claims by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has no pathway to victory in the 2027 general election.
Ezeokenwa made the remarks during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television, where he argued that it was in the strategic interest of Ndigbo to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. He also said APGA would work to persuade people in the South-East to vote for the president.
Reacting to the comments, the NDC State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, described the position as inconsistent with the prevailing mood of Nigerians, insisting that Obi remained a strong contender for the presidency in 2027.
“2027 remains Mr. Peter Obi’s brightest chance at the Presidency. Nigerians are not asking whether there is a pathway. They are building one,” Uzoezie said.
He argued that economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and recurring national challenges had intensified public demand for a change in leadership, adding that Nigerians were increasingly determined to pursue a better future for the country.
“Families are struggling to eat, young people are leaving the country in droves, and communities live in fear. That journey to a new Nigeria is possible through Mr. Peter Obi,” he said.
The NDC chairman further claimed that Obi enjoyed widespread acceptance across the country, arguing that his support base extended beyond regional, religious, age and socioeconomic boundaries.
“His support cuts across region, religion, age and class. That is not something any party chairman can wish away with a television interview,” he stated.
On the 2023 presidential election, Uzoezie expressed confidence that Nigerians had learned important lessons and would be more determined to protect their votes in the next general election.
“The people will defend their votes, and they will insist that their votes count,” he said.
Addressing APGA’s reported decision to support Tinubu’s re-election campaign, Uzoezie acknowledged the party’s right to make its own political choices but urged its leadership to focus on presenting its arguments rather than questioning Obi’s electoral prospects.
“If APGA has resolved to endorse and work for Mr. Tinubu, that is their democratic right. We ask only that they do so on the strength of their own arguments, without resorting to unnecessary attempts to downplay Mr. Obi’s chances,” he said.
He urged Ndi Anambra and Nigerians at large not to be discouraged by political comments questioning Obi’s chances, but to remain focused on the broader aspiration for improved governance and national development.
“The movement for a Nigeria that works, with security, jobs and dignity restored, is bigger than any single party’s position,” Uzoezie added.
The exchange highlights the emerging political debate ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly over the South-East’s political alignment and the prospects of competing presidential aspirants.
