Retired General Urges Peter Obi to Reject PDP Return, Says Hidden Agendas Threaten His 2027 Presidential Dream

 

Retired Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma has issued a strong caution to former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, urging him not to fall for any political schemes luring him back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking during the July edition of the Ikengaonline town hall meeting, General Ijioma described recent moves to reabsorb Obi into the PDP as calculated attempts to derail his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The town hall discussion, which focused on the topic “Ndigbo and the 2027 Politics,” gave Ijioma the opportunity to delve deeply into the dynamics shaping Nigeria’s current political landscape. He strongly asserted that Obi’s prospects in the PDP are dim, especially given the internal structure and leadership of the party, which he believes does not support or guarantee Obi’s political interests.

General Ijioma was especially critical of the PDP’s apparent closeness with the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He accused Wike of harboring unwavering loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that any influence Wike has within the PDP would only serve to sabotage Obi's presidential pursuit.

“Returning to the PDP is like walking into a political ambush,” he warned. “It is no longer the party it used to be. What remains of it now is a weakened structure that cannot be trusted with the ambition of someone like Peter Obi. With people like Wike holding sway, the risks are too high and the potential for betrayal is very real.”

Beyond the PDP, Ijioma also addressed concerns regarding Obi’s current alignment with a coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While he acknowledged the strategic need for coalitions in Nigeria’s fragmented political scene, he was skeptical about the ADC’s readiness to fully back Obi. He encouraged Obi to withdraw from the coalition immediately if he has any doubts about securing its presidential ticket.

Ijioma’s analysis did not stop at political tactics alone. He delved into the sentiment of the Nigerian electorate, arguing that the population's frustrations with the APC’s governance have made Obi a unifying symbol across the country. According to the retired General, hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship have eroded public confidence in the APC, creating a groundswell of support for a candidate perceived to have integrity and competence.

“The Nigerian masses are ready to follow Obi to any political platform where he stands a real chance of contesting. He does not need the PDP or ADC to validate him. What he has is unique, a national appeal built on trust and performance,” Ijioma stated.

He also referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for Nigerians to give an Igbo candidate a chance to lead the country. Ijioma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the historical imbalance in Nigeria’s presidency, which has never been occupied by someone of mainstream Igbo extraction despite decades of democracy.

“Nigeria has had Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, and even minority presidents. But never a true Igbo leader at the helm. The time has come for the country to redress this and support someone like Peter Obi, who is clearly prepared and widely accepted by the people,” he emphasized.

The retired General accused both the national and Igbo political elite of actively working against Obi’s political journey, driven by selfish interests and fear of change. He called on Ndigbo, both at home and in the diaspora, to unify in support of Obi’s 2027 bid, stressing that their collective backing could make the difference in the coming election cycle.

As political jockeying for 2027 begins to take shape, Ijioma’s remarks add a fresh dimension to the ongoing discourse around Peter Obi’s next move. Whether Obi chooses to remain within the Labour Party, pivot to another platform, or embrace a new coalition, the former military officer insists that strategic independence and avoiding political traps will be key to realizing his ambition of leading Nigeria.

The underlying message from Ijioma was clear, Peter Obi must not sacrifice his political momentum by aligning with compromised platforms. Instead, he should lean on the strength of the Nigerian populace, who, according to Ijioma, are desperate for change and already view Obi as the most credible alternative to the status quo.