Ex-Lagos Lawmaker Urges Peter Obi to Abandon 2027 Bid, Support Tinubu for Southern Unity

A former Lagos State lawmaker, Mr. Jude Idimogu, has called on Mr. Peter Obi to step down from his 2027 presidential ambition and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Idimogu, who serves as the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.

He argued that it would be extremely challenging for Obi to defeat Tinubu on any political platform in the upcoming presidential race. He also backed a recent appeal by the Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who advised Obi to shelve his ambition in favor of Tinubu.

“I completely support that call,” Idimogu said. “Peter Obi should rally behind Tinubu since both of them hail from the South. Competing against him will only split Southern votes and weaken our collective chances.”

The former lawmaker stressed that Southern political leaders should unite to ensure Tinubu’s victory in 2027, warning that multiple Southern contenders could jeopardize the region’s opportunity to retain power.

“This is our time in the South. Let’s not create a scenario that benefits Northern interests by dividing ourselves,” he said, comparing the situation to the North’s unified support for former President Muhammadu Buhari during his eight-year tenure.

According to Idimogu, Tinubu deserves continued support, noting that meaningful change cannot be achieved in just two years. He insisted that a united Southern front would help safeguard the region’s political influence.

While acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to contest, he urged Igbo leaders to prioritize regional interest by backing Tinubu’s re-election. He also appealed to Northern leaders to support Tinubu’s second term in the spirit of equity and national balance.

Idimogu welcomed constructive opposition and critical feedback but emphasized the importance of unity over rivalry.

He concluded by stating that neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which Obi is now affiliated with, has a viable candidate capable of defeating Tinubu in 2027.