Keyamo Predicts That Obidients Will Withdraw Support for Obi if He Accepts Atiku's Vice-Presidential Offer in 2027 [VIDEO]

 

The statement, which was made live on Channels TV, comes as the political waters are already being stirred with discussions about the formation of alliances for the next presidential race. Keyamo, who serves as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, pointed out that three major demographics which were key to Obi's impressive performance in the 2023 elections would likely withdraw their support if Obi teams up with Atiku.

According to Keyamo, these three critical groups, comprising the Christian bloc, the South East region, and the youth, were responsible for Obi's six million votes in 2023. Their disapproval, he suggests, would deal a heavy blow to Obi's political prospects. The minister made it clear that both the Christian community and the South East region, two groups that gave Obi a strong backing in the last election, would completely pull out if Obi were to accept a vice-presidential offer from Atiku.

Keyamo’s remarks were directed at Obi's future political decisions, given that the Labour Party candidate has yet to declare his stance for 2027. However, it is widely speculated that Obi might run again, especially given his strong showing in the last general election. Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), is also expected to contest again. In light of this, the possibility of the two men joining forces has been a topic of heated debate in Nigerian political circles.

Keyamo’s Warnings About Potential Voter Backlash

During the broadcast, Keyamo did not mince words, stating that Obi’s collaboration with Atiku, should it come to fruition, would alienate critical constituencies. "Both the Christian bloc and the South East will withdraw their support once Atiku is the flag bearer," he asserted. This, according to Keyamo, is due to long-standing regional and religious sentiments that would prevent voters from endorsing the ticket.

For the Christian bloc, Keyamo suggested that Obi's alignment with Atiku might be seen as an ideological compromise, potentially weakening his position among voters who see him as an advocate for the interests of the South East. The Christian community, he pointed out, had been a major pillar of Obi's 2023 support, drawn to his perceived incorruptibility and principled stance on governance. A shift towards Atiku, whom many in the region view as part of the old political order, could erode that support.

Similarly, Keyamo argued that the South East, where Obi has strong roots and support, would be particularly alienated. "The South East has always been a key supporter of Peter Obi, and any move towards a political marriage with Atiku would be seen as a betrayal," Keyamo remarked. Obi, being from the South East, had garnered massive support from the region in the last election, a factor that helped him secure a substantial portion of the national vote. However, Keyamo believes that the region would not take kindly to the idea of him playing second fiddle to another presidential candidate, especially Atiku, who hails from the North.

The minister also underscored the importance of youth voters, who were a significant portion of Obi's base. In 2023, young Nigerians flocked to Obi’s campaign in large numbers, attracted by his calls for generational change and his promises of a better future. Keyamo implied that should Obi opt for the vice-presidency under Atiku, it could signal a shift in his political identity, one that might no longer resonate with the younger, more progressive voters who previously saw Obi as their champion.

Political Calculations Ahead of 2027

While the political landscape remains fluid with both Obi and Atiku yet to officially announce their candidacies for 2027, Keyamo’s comments reflect an early attempt to influence public opinion and shape the narrative surrounding possible political alliances. The Labour Party has yet to make a clear decision regarding Obi’s future role, but if his 2023 performance is any indicator, his political career is far from over.

On the other hand, Atiku, who has made numerous attempts to capture Nigeria's highest office without success, might view an alliance with Obi as a strategic move to shore up his own chances in 2027. However, Keyamo’s warning suggests that such a partnership might come with heavy costs, alienating key voter blocs that were crucial to Obi’s success in 2023.

The South East remains a contentious region in Nigerian politics, often feeling marginalized in the national political equation. Obi's candidacy has been seen as a rallying point for the region, and any shift away from that cause could result in significant backlash.

In Keyamo’s view, the potential fallout from such a decision would not only be a loss of support for Obi but could also destabilize the broader political dynamics in the lead-up to 2027. A large portion of the electorate, he warned, might feel that Obi had abandoned the very ideals that made him a political force in the first place.

The next few months are likely to bring clarity on whether these predictions will come to pass, but Keyamo’s comments serve as an early signal of the high-stakes political maneuvering that will define the next presidential race.