George Moghalu Declares There Is Nothing Wrong In Tapping Into Obi’s Popularity To Build Electoral Advantage And Secure Victory

 

The political atmosphere in Nigeria continues to intensify as the 2027 general elections draw closer, with alliances, endorsements and strategic campaign decisions taking center stage. A notable development attracting attention is the stance of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain George Moghalu, who has openly stated that there is absolutely nothing wrong in leveraging the popularity of Labour Party’s Peter Obi to enhance his own electoral prospects.

Moghalu, a former National Auditor of the APC and one-time Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, made this declaration during a media interaction that explored his political future and the calculations shaping the next electoral cycle. His remarks have added fresh fuel to the conversation around political loyalty, cross-party collaboration and the growing influence of Peter Obi within and outside his party.

According to Moghalu, politics is about the people and the strategies that ensure victory. He argued that anyone who fails to recognize Obi’s growing political capital is either living in denial or deliberately ignoring reality. To him, political engagement is not a rigid battlefield but a fluid space where popular support can be harnessed to drive change.

Moghalu stressed that Nigerian politics should be less about partisan rigidity and more about the will of the electorate. He noted that Obi has demonstrated an unusual ability to connect with ordinary Nigerians, particularly the youth, and that this connection has altered the dynamics of electioneering in the country. He explained that if such popularity can be used to advance the cause of credible candidates with proven records, then it should not be condemned.

Many observers see Moghalu’s position as both pragmatic and controversial. On one hand, it acknowledges the undeniable rise of Peter Obi as a major force in Nigerian politics, capable of influencing outcomes even beyond his own candidacy. On the other hand, critics argue that such statements reflect opportunism and could weaken ideological consistency within parties.

Moghalu brushed aside those concerns, insisting that elections are not won by ideology alone but by the ability to resonate with voters. He emphasized that credibility, accessibility and broad-based support are far more important in the current climate. For him, Peter Obi embodies an emerging voice of accountability and people-centered governance, and there is nothing inherently wrong if other politicians align with that appeal in order to reach the electorate.

Political analysts have weighed in on the implications of his comments. Some believe that Moghalu’s openness reflects an ongoing shift in Nigerian politics where traditional party structures are no longer the sole determinants of success. The rise of personality-driven politics, aided by social media and grassroots mobilization, has created a new playing field. Politicians like Obi have built reputations that transcend party lines, and this makes them a valuable asset for those seeking broad-based legitimacy.

Others caution that leveraging Obi’s popularity without genuine commitment to his ideals could backfire. They warn that the electorate, particularly the youth demographic that rallied around Obi during the last election, may resist what they perceive as exploitation. To them, authenticity is key, and any attempt to ride on Obi’s influence without offering meaningful leadership could erode trust.

Moghalu, however, appears confident that his record of public service and his longstanding involvement in politics give him the credibility to merge Obi’s influence with his own platform. He pointed out that his focus has always been on good governance, service delivery and the promotion of inclusive development. Aligning with the positive perception around Obi, in his view, is not opportunism but smart politics that acknowledges the direction of the people’s will.

The broader significance of Moghalu’s remarks lies in what they reveal about the shifting power dynamics ahead of the next election. The emergence of Peter Obi as a symbol of voter-driven change has disrupted the calculations of both the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP. For aspirants like Moghalu, ignoring that shift is politically unwise. Instead, recognizing and working with it may open doors to victory in an increasingly competitive environment.

As preparations for the coming elections intensify, more politicians may adopt similar strategies, openly or subtly acknowledging Obi’s popularity to build their own narratives. This development raises important questions about the future of party politics in Nigeria. Will the system gradually evolve into a space where personalities overshadow party structures, or will it force political organizations to adapt and remain relevant by embracing figures who can galvanize mass support?

What is certain is that Moghalu’s statement has brought these debates into sharper focus. His boldness in admitting the value of Obi’s influence reflects a growing realization among politicians that the electorate is no longer passive. Voters are increasingly demanding leaders who connect with their daily struggles and aspirations. Peter Obi, regardless of political affiliation, has managed to embody that demand.

Whether Moghalu’s strategy proves successful remains to be seen, but his words have set the stage for a wider discussion about political pragmatism in Nigeria. For him, there is no shame in acknowledging a colleague’s strength if it contributes to electoral success and national development. Politics, after all, is not just about personal ambition; it is about connecting with people, and sometimes that connection requires aligning with the most popular voices of the time.