As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general elections, political realignments and speculations are once again dominating the national conversation.
But one group appears to be crystal clear about its position: the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) believes Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential flagbearer, needs no alliances or elite endorsements to clinch victory next time around.
Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, made this bold assertion in a recent exclusive interview, pushing back against the idea that Obi should consider partnerships with the likes of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar or former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—or worse, return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“He’s a sellable candidate,” Ndubuaku said matter-of-factly. “If not for the glitches in the last election, he was already coasting to victory. Don’t forget—he defeated Tinubu in Lagos. That’s no small feat.”
According to Ndubuaku, Peter Obi’s broad-based appeal, cutting across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, places him in a unique position few other politicians can claim.
“Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win 2027,” he stated, dismissing ongoing murmurs of a mega-opposition alliance. “All he needs is a free and fair election.”
The Labour Party leader’s strong showing in the 2023 polls has continued to fuel confidence among supporters.
The Obidient Movement—a loose but passionate network of Obi supporters—has already reaffirmed its loyalty, declaring its willingness to follow Obi to any platform he chooses. But for now, his base remains firmly anchored in the LP.
Still, the question of a possible return to the PDP has floated in the political ether, especially as the opposition party struggles with internal discord and a string of defections. Ndubuaku, however, had harsh words for the idea.
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“No serious candidate should consider the PDP at this point,” he said. “That party is not just in crisis—it’s near empty.
The LP has had its internal battles too, yes, but those have been resolved by the Supreme Court. PDP’s issues? Still very much alive. Why would Obi move from the frying pan into the fire?”
For many observers, Obi’s clean image and reputation for fiscal discipline continue to make him an appealing alternative in a political landscape riddled with recycled candidates and broken promises.
But with Nigeria’s sensitive political equilibrium—especially around zoning and regional power rotation—questions remain about how a potential Obi victory would sit with power blocs in the North.
Ndubuaku dismissed those concerns. “There’s this fear that if Obi wins, he may stay for eight years. But the truth is, Nigeria doesn’t need eight years to feel his impact. He’s not desperate for power.”
Meanwhile, developments within both the PDP and APC continue to shape the terrain ahead of 2027.
While the PDP is working to reclaim its former strongholds, especially in the North and South-East, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is grappling with economic challenges that could define the next election cycle.
Against this backdrop, the Labour Party and its leading man, Peter Obi, seem poised to remain a major force.