"Supporting Tinubu Is a Strategic Move for Southern Unity" - Former Lagos State lawmaker Jude Idimogu Begs Peter Obi

 

Former Lagos State lawmaker and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jude Idimogu, has made a passionate appeal to Peter Obi, urging him to step aside in the 2027 presidential election and throw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This, he argues, would solidify Southern political unity and prevent a repeat of divided votes that could shift power away from the region.

Speaking during an interview in Lagos with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Idimogu emphasized the importance of consolidating Southern interests ahead of the next general election. He argued that any attempt by another Southern politician, especially someone as influential as Obi, to contest in 2027 would inevitably split the Southern electorate and create an opening for Northern political forces to reclaim the presidency.

His call comes amidst growing speculation that Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, is considering a second run for office. While Obi has not made an official declaration, his ongoing engagements with opposition alliances suggest strategic preparations are already underway.

According to Idimogu, the South must learn from the political cohesion displayed by the North during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term administration. Despite criticism and mounting economic challenges, Northern politicians consistently backed Buhari’s presidency, allowing him to govern with widespread regional support for eight uninterrupted years.

“This is not the time for the South to work at cross-purposes. We must stay united and avoid internal competition that weakens our position,” Idimogu said. “Obi is a respected leader with a national following, but this is a strategic moment that demands sacrifice for the greater good of the South.”

He argued that President Tinubu, who has only completed two years in office, should be given the same political space and support that was extended to his Northern predecessor. According to Idimogu, Tinubu’s leadership is still evolving, and significant transformation requires more than a single term.

“People expected magic in two years, but the truth is, no leader can solve all of Nigeria’s problems overnight,” he said. “We must allow Tinubu time to consolidate policies and stabilize the country. If the South does not rally around him, we risk losing power entirely.”

While acknowledging that Peter Obi has every legal right to contest again, Idimogu urged Igbo leaders and political stakeholders across the Southeast to weigh their options carefully. He called on them to look beyond individual ambitions and embrace a collective vision that ensures continued Southern influence at the federal level.

The former lawmaker also extended his message to Northern political figures, asking them to support President Tinubu in the spirit of equity and national balance. He stressed that true unity will not come from party alliances alone but from shared understanding and mutual respect between regions.

“The North should also support Tinubu for another term. Let us build a more inclusive and stable Nigeria by ensuring fair rotation of power,” he added.

Touching on opposition movements, Idimogu dismissed the notion that any current coalition, including those reportedly aligning with Peter Obi, has the political muscle to unseat the APC in 2027. He insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and similar groups lack credible candidates with the reach and leadership track record necessary to challenge Tinubu.

“Political momentum is not enough; you need structure, legacy, and consistent leadership. Tinubu has those. Obi is rising, yes, but he must ask himself if his ambition helps or hurts the region he represents,” he said.

Idimogu further stated that constructive criticism and vibrant opposition are vital components of democracy. However, he stressed that political maturity also requires strategic compromise when the stakes are high. According to him, this is one such moment where unity should be placed above rivalry.

His appeal to Obi is the latest in a string of voices from within and outside the APC encouraging consolidation of Southern interests around Tinubu’s leadership. Political observers see this as part of early groundwork by APC loyalists to neutralize potential threats to Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.

As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections, the question remains whether Peter Obi will heed the call to prioritize regional unity over personal ambition. For now, Nigerians watch closely as the country's major political players position themselves for what is expected to be another fiercely contested presidential race.