2027: Support Tinubu if Obi Can’t Emerge President – Archbishop Onuagha Urges Ndigbo

The Methodist Archbishop of Okigwe Archdiocese, Most Rev. Biereonwu Livinus Onuagha, has urged Ndigbo to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid if Mr. Peter Obi is unable to secure the presidency in 2027. Speaking in Nnewi, the cleric emphasized that while Obi remains the best candidate to lead Nigeria, equity and fairness demand that the South completes its turn in power before any Northern candidate can be considered.

Archbishop Onuagha described Peter Obi as a man of integrity, intelligence, and focus—someone capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current socio-economic challenges. He warned that any political coalition, including the emerging alliance in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), would be setting itself up for failure if it fails to back Obi as its presidential candidate. According to him, fielding a Northern candidate would be the coalition’s greatest mistake.

He particularly criticized the involvement of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the ADC, questioning his motives and referencing his controversial role in the Southern Kaduna crisis and the farmer-herder conflicts during his time in office. Onuagha accused El-Rufai and other Northern political figures of attempting to reclaim power prematurely after the North had already held the presidency for eight years under Muhammadu Buhari.

The Archbishop asserted that, in the absence of Obi, Tinubu remains the most acceptable Southern alternative. He argued that while Nigerians are suffering under the current administration—especially due to tough economic policies like the removal of fuel subsidy—Igbo people have received more federal attention and appointments under Tinubu than in past administrations. He acknowledged the resentment towards the Lagos State government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over perceived mistreatment of Igbos, but insisted this should not overshadow the broader benefits under the Tinubu presidency.

Referencing Senator Dave Umahi’s call for Ndigbo to back Tinubu if Obi is blocked, the Archbishop called for a united Southern front. He stressed that allowing the North to reclaim the presidency in 2027 would be a grave injustice, describing such a move as selfish and contrary to Nigeria’s informal power-sharing agreement.

Onuagha expressed concern over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s continued ambition, urging him and other Northern leaders such as El-Rufai and David Mark to step aside for the sake of national unity. He warned that forcing power back to the North could lead to political instability and deepen divisions across the country.

He maintained that Peter Obi remains the ideal leader Nigeria needs, but if he is systematically blocked by the political establishment, then Ndigbo and the Obidient movement should strategically rally behind President Tinubu to ensure that power remains in the South. This, he said, is crucial to preserving equity, peace, and stability in the country.

According to Archbishop Onuagha, any attempt to push Tinubu out without securing Obi’s candidacy could plunge Nigeria into a political crisis. He concluded with a passionate appeal for Nigerians to reflect deeply on the path forward, warning that failure to uphold justice and fairness in the 2027 election could lead to long-term regret.