Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi can emerge president in 2027.
This hope was expressed over the weekend by the National Coordinator of the ‘Obidient Movement’, Yunusa Tanko, at a one-day symposium, themed ‘Repositioning the Obidient Movement for Greater Impact’, organised by the Obidient Movement and Anambra State Support Groups in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Tanko alleged that Obi won the 2023 presidential election if not for the electoral malpractice but pointed out that a “new Nigeria” is possible if the people elect the right leaders.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the only body constitutionally empowered to declare a candidate a winner in a presidential election.
It declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, the winner, which saw Peter Obi coming third after Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The election was highly disputed and was finally resolved when the Supreme Court ruled that the APC candidate won.
Going by the constitution that allows two terms of four years each, it’s expected that Tinubu would get an automatic ticket of the APC to vie for a second term.
Tanko however believed all things being equal and with the work being done by the movement and Nigerians delirious of change, Obi can win the 2027 presidential election.
He therefore explained that the movement is charting a new course to ensure Peter Obi emerges victorious in 2027 to change the sorry state of the country.
He said the movement is “dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability by bringing together key stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s future. This event underscores the movement’s commitment to unity, justice, and equity.
“Obi has the potential to emerge as president in 2027 if we put our acts together. We will have our agents prepared well before the 2027 general election, training and retraining them,” he assured.
He stressed that “a new Nigeria is possible if we start doing the right things in electing those who lead us. We are determined to end bad governance in Nigeria by ensuring the right people are elected. During the 2023 general election, we were accused of lacking structure, yet Peter Obi won the election but was denied victory due to electoral malpractice. This time, history will not repeat itself.
“Even the North is dissatisfied with the current government. We will advocate for electoral reform and champion it legally and physically. We will mobilise our people on the streets, and in the courts, and present our proposals to the National Assembly.
“The Obidient Movement seeks to empower Nigerian youths, advocating for meaningful change and accountability. Our mission aligns with the pursuit of good governance, justice, and equity.”
He said the South-East region, made up of five states, which are Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi states with 11,498,277 registered voters out of the National total of 96,303,016 cutting across the 21,631 polling units, is crucial to Nigeria’s future.”
He emphasised that Nigeria’s “unity is our greatest strength. We must form a formidable force to achieve our common goal: which is a better future for our country. Thus, our Collective efforts have given birth to the creation of the National Coordinating council of the Obidient Movement.”
He said the movement has come “to fight for a better Nigeria, where every citizen has equal opportunities for success,” noting that “we are not calling people to take up arms against the state but rather for a retooling in mindset and a change in attitude that will birth the Nigeria we are all yearning for, from consumption to production,” Obi’s regular refrain.
He argued that since the APC government came to power, “Nigerians have witnessed unprecedented hardship and incompetence.
“The Obidient Movement – a powerful force born out of Nigerians’ desire for change, took its bearing in 2020, when some patriotic citizens demanding for good governance, decided to come together and save this country from the current malady.”
He said the Movement is built on values such as integrity, accountability, inclusivity, justice, and empowerment. Its mission is to empower and mobilise Nigerian Youth to actively engage in the political process, advocate for meaningful change, and hold leaders accountable.
“The movement envisions a Nigeria where every citizen has equal opportunities for success, and the government serves with integrity and transparency.”
He added that during the 2023 presidential election, young Nigerians sought for a leader who would champion their cause for a change and hold those in power accountable.
He said that was when Peter Gregory Obi, whom he described as a person of “impeccable character, integrity and proven track records emerged as the face of the movement.”
He recalled that Obi’s message of hope, unity, and good governance resonated deeply with the youth, who were tired of the status quo. The Obidient Movement, he said, represents a beacon of hope for Nigerians seeking a better future.
He urged the people to stand together against injustice, against corruption, and against oppression, to fight for a Nigeria where every citizen is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.