Former Lagos lawmaker and Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jude Idimogu, has urged former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to abandon his 2027 presidential bid and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
Idimogu made the appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
He argued that Obi has minimal chances of defeating Tinubu in a future presidential contest, regardless of the party platform he chooses, and warned that another run by the former Anambra governor would only fragment the Southern vote and jeopardise the South’s hold on power.
“I strongly agree with the appeal to Obi. He should support Tinubu, as both are Southern leaders,” Idimogu said, echoing an earlier call by the Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.He cautioned that allowing multiple Southern candidates in 2027 could play into the hands of the North, urging Southern unity as a political strategy.
“This is the South’s turn. Let’s not allow another Southern candidate to disrupt the zoning and help Northern interests.”
Citing the unity among Northern politicians during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, Idimogu argued that Tinubu deserves similar loyalty from the South.
“Tinubu deserves full support. He cannot undo Nigeria’s problems in two years. With unity, progress is possible.”
He called on Igbo leaders to prioritise regional interest over individual ambition and throw their support behind Tinubu for the sake of balance, equity, and continuity.He also appealed to Northern politicians to rally behind Tinubu in the interest of national cohesion.
“Constructive criticism and alternative solutions from the opposition are welcome, but unity must take precedence.”
Idimogu dismissed the viability of any opposition alliance defeating Tinubu in 2027, stating that neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — reportedly in talks with Obi — has a candidate strong enough to challenge the incumbent.
Although Obi is yet to formally declare his 2027 ambition, reports suggest he is actively engaged in coalition-building efforts ahead of the next general election.
