Peter Obi, who has declared his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election and was the Labour Party’s standard-bearer during the 2023 general polls, has confidently asserted that the people of northern Nigeria would celebrate his presidency if elected. Obi, who has become a central figure in the opposition alliance operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made this statement while featuring as a guest on Sunday Politics, a programme aired on Channels Television. During the interview, Obi explained that the northern part of Nigeria is a region blessed with extraordinary untapped resources and possibilities. With 19 states, the North possesses extensive fertile farmlands and wields a powerful voter base. Nonetheless, he observed that these abundant assets have consistently been compromised and overshadowed by the continuing security challenges plaguing the area. Peter Obi elaborated by saying, “We have voted for incompetence, we’ve voted for tribe, and we’ve voted for religion. It is time to vote for competence.” He further emphasized that he wanted northerners to have confidence in him, assuring them that their greatest resources lie within their region, particularly in the vast, underutilized agricultural lands. He also acknowledged the severe criminal activities ravaging the North and pledged to tackle those head-on. Obi reiterated that if he becomes president, he is confident the North would be proud of him and would rejoice over his leadership. According to him, he is well aware of the deep-rooted problems affecting the region and holds a practical vision for addressing them.
The North-Central chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential elections. In a statement issued after a meeting in Abuja, the Forum emphasized its commitment to backing Tinubu due to his administration’s positive impact on the North-Central zone since he assumed office in 2023. The statement, signed by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, highlighted the region’s unprecedented gains under Tinubu’s leadership. Contrasting Views on Tinubu’s ReelectionThe endorsement comes amid opposition from key northern socio-political organizations, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and its youth wing, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF). The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, announced its preference for northern candidates in 2027. Similarly, AYCF President Alhaji Shettima Yerima criticized Tinubu’s first-term performance and warned that the North might withdraw its support unless significant socio-economic improvements are achieved. APC Forum’s Support for TinubuDespite these dissenting voices, the APC Forum lauded Tinubu’s efforts in infrastructure development, security, and federal appointments, describing them as unparalleled since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999. “President Tinubu’s leadership has brought more opportunities and infrastructural projects to the North-Central than any previous administration,” the Forum noted. It also called on Tinubu to prioritize additional developmental initiatives for the zone and assured him of unwavering support. The Forum expressed optimism about Tinubu’s assent to the proposed North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Bill once passed by the National Assembly. Improvements in Security and EconomyThe APC Forum acknowledged significant strides in combating insecurity in the North-Central, which has enabled farmers to return to their fields without fear. On the economic front, the Forum praised Tinubu’s policies, citing the strengthening of the Naira, increased oil production, rising foreign reserves, and the elimination of fuel scarcity as key achievements. “Tinubu’s economic reforms are beginning to bear fruit, and with time, Nigerians will see reduced inflation and improved living conditions,” the statement read. Call for Nationwide SupportThe Forum urged Nigerians to rally behind Tinubu for a second term, arguing that his policies are crucial for sustained progress. It gave Tinubu a positive assessment in areas such as security, economy, and infrastructure. Growing Support in the North-CentralIn a show of political realignment, two Labour Party members of the House of Representatives from Plateau State—Alfred Ajang Illiya and Daniel Chollom—recently defected to the APC. The Forum interpreted this as a sign of Tinubu’s growing acceptance in the North-Central zone. “We anticipate more defections to the APC as Tinubu’s administration continues to deliver results,” the statement concluded. The North-Central APC Forum reaffirmed its dedication to working for Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, just as it did in 2023. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
