Tuesday, June 16, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Peter Obi’s media office alleges plot to block 2027 candidacy

Peter Obi

Peter Obi

By Seyi Babalola

The media office of Peter Obi has alleged a plot to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, accusing the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling party of undermining his political chances.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, the office claimed that efforts to frustrate Obi’s ambition began after the 2023 general election through internal crises within the Labour Party.

It alleged that attempts to stabilise the party were repeatedly disrupted, describing the situation as “a sinister scheme aimed at denying Obi a platform for the upcoming January 2027 poll.”

The statement referenced a 2025 Supreme Court ruling on the party’s leadership, alleging that subsequent actions in lower courts contradicted the decision.

It added that Obi left the party in December 2025 amid the crisis, claiming that “internal turmoil would persist until Obi was ousted.”

According to the media office, Obi later aligned with the African Democratic Congress, a move it said was followed by increased efforts to weaken his political prospects, including what it described as “bizarre legislative changes” targeting the party.

The statement also cited Obi’s March 2026 visit to Rabiu Kwankwaso in Kano and a subsequent political rally as developments that heightened tensions.

It further alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took steps affecting the leadership structure of the ADC, warning that the move could put Obi and other aspirants “at serious risk of being denied a platform.”

The media office described the alleged actions as “a blatant scheme to undermine democracy” and warned of attempts to “create an illusion of democratic choice while scheming for a one-party system.”

Part of the statement reads: “After fully aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition and bringing renewed vigour to the party, the ruling party escalated its efforts to sabotage him.

“They pursued bizarre legislative changes that culminated in a detrimental amendment to the Electoral Act, explicitly designed to exert pressure on the ADC and undermine Obi’s presidential ambitions.

“Obi’s visit on March 22, 2026, to the former Governor of Kano State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, where he was warmly welcomed by Kwankwasiyya members, intensified the ruling party’s hostility toward him.

“The tipping point occurred during the ADC’s resounding rally in Kano on March 30, 2027, where Kwankwaso officially joined forces with the ADC.

“In a desperate move, the government manipulated the so-called Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinterpret an Appeal Court ruling, leading to the delisting of the ADC’s leadership and putting Obi and other aspirants at serious risk of being denied a platform.

“The Peter Obi Media Office meticulously documents these alarming developments to inform Nigerians and the international community of this orchestrated manoeuvre to disenfranchise Obi and pave the way for President Tinubu’s uncontested candidacy.

“They are attempting to create an illusion of democratic choice by propping up surrogates in various political parties while scheming for a one-party system in a nation of over 200 million people with rich diversity.

“For this dictatorial agenda to succeed, it would profoundly disservice to millions of Nigerians—particularly the youth, women, and intellectuals—who desire a transformative vision for Nigeria based on production rather than consumption, curbing waste, and eradicating deep-seated corruption within the system.

“The Media Office of Peter Obi categorically condemns this disturbing trend as a blatant scheme to undermine democracy, establish dictatorship, and continue exploiting the nation’s resources through corrupt practices.

“We emphasise the importance of transparency and integrity in our democratic system.

“We are dedicated to informing both Nigerians and the global community about these developments, urging a collaborative approach to strengthen our democracy.

“True democracy allows citizens to make informed choices about their leadership. As we move forward, it is crucial that the voices of the people—especially the youth, women, and intellectuals—are heard and respected.

“They seek a vision for Nigeria that prioritises production over consumption and works tirelessly to eradicate corruption.

“We therefore call on all stakeholders to uphold the values of democracy, ensuring that Peter Obi has the opportunity to present his vision for Nigeria to the electorate. Together, we can build a brighter future. A NEW IS POSSIBLE,” it said.

There has been no official response from the presidency, the ruling party, or INEC regarding the allegations.