NDC Apex Leader Amanze Obi Expresses Confidence in Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Elections
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
OWERRI, IMO STATE, NIGERIA — The Apex Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Amanze Obi, PhD, has expressed confidence in the presidential prospects of the party’s candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Obi made the statement during an interview with journalists on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, while discussing the NDC’s preparations, its presidential ticket and the political outlook ahead of the elections.
He said he believed Peter Obi had remained prominent in national political discussions because of his advocacy for what he described as a more liveable Nigeria.
According to him, the NDC would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to make a political choice through the ballot box, stressing the importance of credible, free and transparent elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dr. Obi also commented on the reported political alliance involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying the combination represented, in his view, considerations of equity, competence, capacity and Nigeria’s religious and regional diversity.
He referenced the political followings associated with the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement as evidence of the support bases of the two political figures.
“The ticket represents equity, competence, capacity and charismatic leaders,” he said, adding that the alliance also reflected what he described as the “circularity” and religious diversity of the Nigerian state.
The NDC leader also reacted to the disruption of Peter Obi’s movement during his visit to Benue State on September 8, 2026.
Reports from the incident indicate that Obi had travelled to Benue and was scheduled to visit Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area to sympathise with families affected by the deadly June 2025 attack in the community. His convoy was blocked by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko federal highway near Makurdi.
The Benue State Government denied involvement in the incident and said it had not been formally informed of Obi’s visit. The state government maintained that appropriate security coordination was necessary for such a visit.
The Benue State Police Command subsequently said 46 suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, while investigations continued.
Dr. Obi speaks on Obi's attack in Benue State
Dr. Obi condemned the incident and questioned the argument that Peter Obi needed permission to travel to another part of Nigeria.
He said political leaders and indeed, Nigerians should be allowed to move freely and participate in democratic activities without intimidation.
“No, party attacks a non-serious candidate in political warfare. The bullets go to the candidate that is the darling of the voters to bring him or her down. In this instance, Obi is the darling of the Nigerian voters that is why he is being attacked. This is the second time in Benue State, remember that Obi was attacked also when he was in ADC in Edo, another APC controlled State,” he said.
He described Peter Obi as an intelligent and courageous political leader and called for greater tolerance as the 2027 elections approach.
NDC's Imo Structure
Speaking on the NDC's position in Imo State, Dr. Obi described the party as having a growing grassroots structure.
He said the party's presence across the state's local government areas and electoral constituencies demonstrated its preparations for the 2027 elections.
Dr. Obi said the party's candidates and supporters should use the period leading to the full campaign season to strengthen grassroots engagement and build democratic alliances.
He urged NDC candidates in the Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency to approach their campaigns with confidence, engage communities and focus on issues that affect residents.
The former Imo State Commissioner for Information and Culture under the administration of Chief Ikedi Ohakim, as well as a journalist and academic scholar, said the coming campaign period would provide candidates with an opportunity to present their programmes and engage directly with voters.
He expressed confidence that Peter Obi and other NDC candidates would receive substantial support from voters who have already made their political choices ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dr. Obi, however, urged NDC candidates and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and strengthen democratic alliances as the country moves towards the general elections.
