A former presidential candidate and one-time Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chief Peter Ameh, has expressed strong confidence in the Labour Party's Peter Obi as the only viable candidate capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
While speaking during a live broadcast on Arise News' Morning Show, Chief Ameh drew attention to what he called Obi’s “organic momentum” and deep-rooted public appeal. According to him, data from the 2023 election cycle suggests that Obi had already won the confidence of a significant portion of the Nigerian electorate, particularly in the southern region, but was ultimately denied victory due to electoral irregularities.
Ameh emphasized the importance of compassion and connection to the people in choosing leadership, arguing that Nigeria needs a leader who can truly understand and represent those going through crises. For him, Peter Obi remains unmatched in this regard within the current political terrain.
He stated, “For any coalition that wants to take on the sitting government, the candidate must possess momentum and the organic support of the people. We are no longer in a political era where victory can be clinched by ballot snatching and brute force. The reality now demands a candidate who resonates with the average citizen.”
Recalling his involvement in several coalition-building meetings, Ameh noted that while the opposition has a real opportunity to change the direction of governance, success hinges on making the right choice of leadership. He warned that any attempt to impose a candidate who lacks genuine support or fails to connect with Nigerians will only result in another electoral failure.
He referred to the internal crises that plagued the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the run-up to the 2015 elections, citing the defection of high-profile members like Bukola Saraki as part of what led to the PDP’s collapse. For Ameh, repeating such missteps in 2027 by backing the wrong candidate would only strengthen Tinubu’s hold on power.
Offering statistical context, he pointed out that Peter Obi garnered 48% of the southern vote in 2023, outpacing both Atiku Abubakar and President Tinubu, who received 19.4% and 35.5%, respectively. He added that even in northern Nigeria, where Obi was considered a weaker contender, his showing was significantly better than many expected, further emphasizing the depth of his support nationwide.
Ameh didn't stop at numbers. He pointed to multiple reports and investigations that suggest manipulation of election results in favor of the ruling party. He mentioned credible exposés by international and local organizations, particularly the BBC’s investigation into Rivers State’s results, which he claimed validated suspicions of widespread rigging. According to him, these findings bolster the argument that Peter Obi was the actual winner of the 2023 election.
“Go to the IREV portal, check the figures, look at the discrepancies. You’ll see forged results uploaded and serious irregularities that shouldn’t be ignored,” he urged. “Peter Obi won Rivers State. This is not just opinion; it is backed by data and analysis.”
He also criticized those pushing narratives based solely on regional sentiments, insisting that competence, public appeal, and empathy should outweigh zoning arrangements or ethnic considerations. He called on all coalition members to rise above such limitations and back a candidate that stands a realistic chance of victory.
As the 2027 election approaches, the political landscape continues to shift, and alliances are expected to form and dissolve. For now, Chief Peter Ameh’s comments place Peter Obi in the spotlight once again as the preferred figure to galvanize public support and lead a strong challenge against the ruling party.
To many political observers, Ameh’s endorsement may signal the start of renewed efforts to consolidate the opposition under a single, charismatic banner. Whether these efforts can overcome the obstacles of internal division and electoral manipulation remains to be seen, but what’s clear from Ameh’s remarks is that the opposition cannot afford another misstep. The road to 2027, it seems, begins with choosing a candidate who can genuinely inspire and unite Nigerians.
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