Emmanuel lkpeama
A former Lagos lawmaker, Jude Idimogu, has urged Peter Obi to reconsider his political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections by supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election.
Idimogu, who is also Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress, gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday.
He advised Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to abandon his reported alliance with the African Democratic Congress, arguing that the coalition may not be strong enough to defeat Tinubu in 2027.
According to Idimogu, aligning with the incumbent president could provide Obi with a more strategic path toward achieving his long-term political ambitions.
He noted that President Tinubu values loyalty and often rewards political allies, adding that such collaboration could benefit Obi politically in the future.
“Obi should reconsider his alliance with ADC and work with President Tinubu. President Tinubu’s re-election is almost a done deal,” Idimogu said.
“It is not possible to remove Tinubu in the current reality. Obi should meet Tinubu and reach a future agreement. Politics is about calculated alliances. ADC cannot outsmart Tinubu to win.”
The former lawmaker maintained that defeating Tinubu in 2027 would be extremely difficult for Obi, irrespective of the political platform he chooses.
He further urged Obi to prioritise strategic alliances over personal ambition, stressing that collaboration with the incumbent could open doors for future opportunities.
Idimogu also called on Southern political leaders to unite behind Tinubu’s second-term bid, warning that multiple candidates from the region could split votes and weaken the South’s political strength.
According to him, zoning and political balance remain critical for national stability, adding that supporting Tinubu would help consolidate power in the South.
“The South must remain united. Supporting Tinubu will strengthen the region’s position and ensure continuity and stability,” he said.
While acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to contest, Idimogu advised Igbo leaders to consider long-term regional interests and support Tinubu’s re-election.
He also stressed that although opposition is essential in a democratic system, unity among Southern leaders should take precedence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Investigator news reports that Obi and other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are exploring a coalition under the ADC platform to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.