Aisha Yesufu, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), believes Peter Obi will have a stronger and easier path to the 2027 presidential election than he did four years earlier, pointing to the growth of his support base and a new political alliance.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, finished third with about 6.1 million votes. He trailed Peoples Democratic Party candidate Atiku Abubakar, who received about 6.9 million votes, and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, who won with about 8.7 million votes.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Yesufu said the movement popularly known as the Obidients had already done much of the groundwork during the 2023 campaign. She argued that Obi now has greater name recognition and visibility across the country.
According to Yesufu, the 2023 election was a period when supporters were still trying to prove that Obi could mount a serious national challenge. She said developments during that campaign helped convince more Nigerians that a political alternative was possible.
Yesufu also identified the emerging Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as a major factor ahead of 2027. She said the partnership between Obi’s supporters and the Kwankwasiyya movement could broaden the NDC’s reach, particularly through Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who she described as Obi’s running mate.
She further argued that Nigeria’s economic hardship could become a major factor in the 2027 election. Yesufu said many voters were becoming more concerned about their economic wellbeing than religious considerations, including debates surrounding a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
The NDC member also defended Obi’s decision to discontinue his recent journey to Yelwata in Benue State after youths stopped his convoy along the Gboko-Makurdi road. She rejected suggestions that the decision was driven by fear, describing it instead as a strategic choice.
Yesufu called Obi “the most courageous Nigerian politician” and cited his previous visits to communities affected by insecurity. She argued that political leaders sometimes need to avoid unnecessary confrontation when pursuing broader objectives, saying there was little value in engaging youths who had blocked the convoy.
Her comments come as political parties and emerging alliances intensify preparations for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election. Whether Obi can convert the enthusiasm of his 2023 support base into a broader coalition and enough votes to win, however, will depend on factors including voter turnout, regional alliances, party organisation and the strength of his opponents.
