…Says he won 12 States without any Gov in 2023
By Ahmed Akanbi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has dismissed the relevance of governors’ endorsements ahead of the 2027 election, saying voters, not political office holders, determine electoral outcomes.
Obi said his performance in the 2023 presidential poll proved that popular support outweighs backing from governors and political elites.
Speaking during a televised interview, the former Anambra State governor recalled contesting the 2023 election without the support of any sitting governor, yet winning in several states.
“It doesn’t matter whether 36 governors are with the president. I didn’t have one governor in the last election, and I won 12 states,” Obi said.
He added that he would have won more states if the process had reflected the true will of voters.
“Even after they took two states from me, I still won 12 states. That election showed clearly that Nigerians, not governors, decide who leads them,” he added.
Obi’s comments come as governors and other influential political figures increasingly endorse President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
But the NDC standard-bearer argued the next election should focus on the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians, not political alliances.
According to him, millions of citizens are more concerned about economic survival, insecurity, education, healthcare and jobs than the number of governors backing any candidate.
“So it doesn’t matter whether they take all the governors. What matters is how to make Nigeria work for the poor.
“We want a Nigeria where tribe, ethnicity and religion will not be the basis for political decisions. The real issues should be the welfare of the people, education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Nigerians are hungry today and are looking for food,” he said.
Speaking during an engagement with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., Obi pledged to pursue dialogue and reconciliation to address agitations and strengthen national unity if elected in 2027.
“To achieve the aim of unifying the country, I will listen to all agitators, harmonise their concerns and make the necessary sacrifices to bring the country together,” he said.
He maintained that sustainable peace and development can only be achieved through justice, inclusion and responsive leadership.
His remarks come as opposition parties intensify consultations and coalition talks to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
Despite the political manoeuvring, Obi insisted that the ultimate power rests with the electorate.
“Nigerians—not governors or political power brokers—will determine the country’s next president,” he said.