A coalition known as the Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has called on former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, insisting he is not the consensus candidate of the Igbo people.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the group argued that the political realities ahead of the 2027 election strongly favor the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and warned that Obi risks another electoral defeat if he proceeds with his ambition.
The forum described Tinubu as a “formidable incumbent” whose support base and political structure position him for re-election. It also dismissed the chances of other opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to the group, Obi’s own public statements about running as a Nigerian rather than on ethnic or religious grounds indicate that he is not relying on Igbo support, reinforcing their position that he does not represent a unified regional candidacy.
The statement further urged Obi to ignore what it termed “social media pressure” from supporters often referred to as the “Obidient Movement,” claiming that many of them may not be eligible voters in the 2027 election.
NDI-ABAT also argued that the Southeast political landscape has shifted since the 2023 election, with increasing alignment toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group pointed to ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region, overseen by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, as evidence of growing support for the Tinubu administration.
The coalition concluded that it would be in the “best interest of Ndigbo and the nation” for Obi to step aside from the 2027 contest and consider a future bid instead.
The statement was signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, National Coordinator of NDI-ABAT, and Dr. Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr., Secretary General
