18th April 2026 – NDIGBO For Tinubu 2027 Forum Press Release

The Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT), a coalition of Igbo groups, is issuing a forthright appeal to Mr. Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State. We urge him to carefully reconsider his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against the incumbent, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is our firm recommendation that Mr. Obi withdraw from the contest and wait until 2035, when it may be the turn for an Igbo presidency.

Let it be clear that while Mr. Peter Obi has the constitutional right, as a Nigerian, to contest any election, the prevailing realities overwhelmingly favour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election. In comparison, the prospects of Mr. Peter Obi, along with other opposition presidential aspirants such as Atiku Abubakar and Chibuike Amaechi in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), appear significantly limited. The political landscape, current dynamics, and the support base of President Tinubu all point towards his re-election success in 2027.

NDI-ABAT firmly asserts that Mr. Peter Obi is not the Igbo consensus candidate for the 2027 presidency. Notably, Mr. Obi was recently quoted in the media stating that he is contesting the 2027 presidential election not on the basis of tribal identity or religion, but as a Nigerian. This statement suggests that he does not rely solely on Igbo votes for the 2027 election. However, we must state clearly that Mr. Obi is strongly advised by NDI-ABAT to withdraw from the race in order to spare the Igbo people the prospect of another electoral defeat.

Moreover, we call on Mr. Peter Obi to disregard the social media noise generated by his supporters, the so-called “Obidient Movement.” This movement consists largely of non-state actors, diaspora Nigerians, and online activists. A significant number of these individuals may not possess valid voter cards or may be ineligible to vote in the 2027 election. Mr. Obi’s withdrawal from the presidential race, therefore, would help prevent what we perceive as a potential political setback for Ndigbo.

Since the 2023 presidential election, the Igbo people are increasingly engaging with the mainstream ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Many Southeast political leaders have shown support for President Tinubu’s potential 2027 re-election bid. Additionally, ongoing and completed federal road construction projects, along with broader infrastructural developments in the Southeast region—championed by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi—are cited as indicators of growing federal presence in the region. These developments suggest that, in 2027, Mr. Peter Obi may face significant challenges in securing widespread support in the Southeast.

In conclusion, we believe that it is in the best interest of Ndigbo and the nation as a whole for Mr. Peter Obi to make a strategic decision regarding his participation in the 2027 presidential contest.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
National Coordinator, NDI-ABAT

Dr. Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
Secretary-General, NDI-ABAT

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