BY AHMED AKANBI
The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has said that growing youth support and the demand for a new political direction will give Peter Obi an edge over President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election.
Amadi stated this during an interview with Symfoni TV midweek, arguing that the electoral terrain ahead of 2027 does not guarantee victory for either Tinubu or Atiku.
He said Obi’s appeal among young Nigerians, coupled with frustration over the current socio-economic situation, positions the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, candidate strongly for the race.
Amadi recalled that Tinubu came into the 2023 election with a formidable political structure, especially from Lagos, but noted that things have changed.
“There is this sense that Nigeria needs something new, and the restiveness and disruption during the 2020 EndSARS incident is a milestone for Obi,” he said.
The political analyst further claimed Obi’s showing in 2023 proved the depth of his support.
“In the last election, Peter Obi had almost more than half of the electorate on his side. There were clear indications that he won in Rivers, Plateau and some Northern states but INEC didn’t declare him winner,” Amadi alleged.
Amadi’s remarks come as parties ramp up mobilisation for 2027, with youth votes expected to determine the outcome.
While the APC and PDP continue to consolidate their structures around Tinubu and Atiku, Obi and the NDC are working to expand the coalition that powered his 2023 campaign into a wider national movement.
Analysts say the 2027 contest will be shaped by economic realities, regional voting patterns, party structures and the capacity of candidates to mobilise young voters.