Drop Your 2027 Ambition, Support President Tinubu’s Re-election, Ndigbo in Lagos Deputy Leader Tells Obi

Former Lagos State lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Jude Idimogu, has called on former presidential candidate Peter Obi to shelve his 2027 ambition and throw his support behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Idimogu, who also serves as the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, argued that Obi has little chance of defeating Tinubu in the next general election, regardless of political platform.

Backing a recent appeal by the Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Idimogu said it was in the best interest of the South for Obi to support Tinubu, noting that both politicians hail from the region.

“I strongly agree with the appeal to Obi. He should support Tinubu as both leaders are from the South,” Idimogu stated.

He warned that Obi’s continued ambition would further divide Southern votes, thereby weakening the region’s chances of retaining the presidency in 2027.

“This is the South’s turn,” Idimogu emphasized. “Let’s not allow another Southern candidate to disrupt the zoning arrangement and pave the way for Northern interests.”

Drawing parallels to the North’s unity during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, Idimogu called for Southern solidarity around Tinubu, arguing that only a united front could bring lasting development and fairness to the region.

> “Tinubu deserves full support. He cannot undo Nigeria’s problems in two years. With unity, progress is possible,” he said.

While acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to contest, Idimogu appealed to Igbo leaders to put regional interest first and back Tinubu for a second term. He also urged Northern politicians to support the continuation of Southern leadership for the sake of national stability.

Idimogu dismissed the strength of opposition parties in the upcoming elections, stating that neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—with whom Obi is now aligned—has a candidate strong enough to defeat Tinubu in 2027.

“Constructive criticism is welcome,” he added, “but unity must take precedence if we truly want equity and progress.”

Obi, who placed third in the 2023 presidential election, is yet to publicly declare his 2027 intentions but remains a key figure in opposition politics.