The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC). They want the party to give its 2027 presidential ticket to Peter Obi. This move, they believe, will ensure President Bola Tinubu’s defeat in the upcoming election.
The OYC further suggested a joint ticket. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should serve as Peter Obi’s running mate for the 2027 polls.
OYC stated that Obi is a popular and credible candidate. His name on the ballot would attract significant votes from Nigerians.
Regional Balance and Competence
Igboayaka explained the reasoning behind Atiku serving as vice president. He cited Nigeria’s political regional rotation agreement. This agreement currently favours a Southern presidential candidate over a Northern one.
He also noted that the ADC’s national chairman hails from the North. Consequently, the party must field a Southern presidential candidate.
Igboayaka clarified, “Northern Nigeria’s eight-year tenure concluded in 2023. This allowed a Southern Nigerian President to assume office in both 2023 and 2027.”
He stressed, “Southern Nigeria is set to complete its tenure in 2031. Therefore, the ADC must select its 2027 presidential candidate from Southern Nigeria.”
Based on these points, Igboayaka argued for Peter Obi. He described him as “the most competent, credible, and reliable candidate from Southern Nigeria.” Obi, he added, is best suited “to succeed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s failed administration.”
Warning Against a Northern Candidate
The OYC president warned against fielding a Northerner as ADC’s presidential candidate for 2027. He called such a move “political suicide.”
This action, he contended, would ultimately favour President Tinubu.
He elaborated, “Fielding a Northerner as ADC’s presidential candidate for 2027 is a wrong political calculation. It represents deliberate political suicide. This would be presented as an alternative to the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) ‘failed government’.”
“Proposing a Northern candidate as an alternative is politically imprudent,” he added. “It could perpetuate political subservience to the Southern region. It might also inadvertently garner sympathy votes for the struggling Tinubu administration in 2027.”
A Call for Sacrifice and Unity
Igboayaka appealed to Atiku Abubakar. He urged him to accept the running mate role to Obi as a patriotic sacrifice. He argued that if Atiku led the ADC presidential ticket, it would guarantee an easy return to power for Tinubu.
“Mr. Peter Obi is the most popular and credible candidate in the South,” he stated. “Nigerians widely accept him.”
He stressed, “For Nigeria’s rescue, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should pay a national price. He should willingly deputize Mr. Peter Obi.”
The OYC leader asserted that an Obi-Atiku ticket would secure a swift victory for the ADC. He claimed they would win the 2027 presidential election before 1 PM on election day.
Igbos Reject Vice Presidential Role
He argued that Igbos are not ready for a vice presidential role. He dismissed calls for Obi to be Atiku’s running mate in 2027.
“The most effective strategy for Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lose in 2027 is a joint ticket,” he declared. “Peter Obi as presidential candidate, with Atiku Abubakar as vice-presidential candidate. The ADC would be declared the winner before 1 PM.”
Igboayaka emphasized, “The Igbo people reject any political subservience. They will not accept a subordinate role in Nigeria’s political landscape at this critical time.” He advised, “Those encouraging Peter Obi to be Atiku Abubakar’s running mate should instead counsel Atiku Abubakar. He should accept the vice-presidential slot under Mr. Peter Obi. This ensures the presidency remains in Southern Nigeria until 2031, when it can return to the North.”
“Nigerians will categorically reject and dismantle the ADC,” he warned. “This will happen if Atiku Abubakar leads the presidential ticket in 2027.”
Igboayaka insisted that Nigerians are ready to back any political party. This applies if it fields Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
He concluded, “The majority of Nigerian masses demand that Mr. Peter Obi must appear on the presidential ballot in 2027. This is irrespective of political affiliation. Nigerians will strongly oppose any alternative plans.”
About the Author
