The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has commented on Peter Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, attributing it to three major demographic factors.

He, however, predicts that these factors will not influence the 2027 election as they did in the past.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo stated that Obi’s support base was primarily situational. He expressed doubt that such support would sustain long-term political momentum, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria.

“Three demographic factors delivered Peter Obi in 2023, but the three will collapse,” Keyamo said.

He identified religious sentiment as the primary factor, followed by ethnic solidarity from the South-East.

“The other candidates were Muslims, and so there was only one Christian candidate, and the Christians went to one candidate.

“The South-East felt cheated, so the South-East went to one point because of the Igbo man.”

He identified the third factor as the rise of a youth-led movement.

He said, “The Obidients, young Nigerians who felt they were angry, they wanted a younger person and all of that because the other candidates were older than him (Obi).”

Keyamo, a leader of the All Progressives Congress, contended that none of these factors would ensure Obi’s victory in a future election, particularly if he campaigns with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He said, “This so-called ADC, in 2027, what they are working on is to bring Peter Obi and Atiku together to join those numbers and beat our over eight million votes. Let me tell you why it is wrong.”

He dismissed the possibility that the proposed alliance would succeed in northern Nigeria, citing the ruling APC's robust infrastructure and firm grip on the region.

“If you put Peter Obi this time as president, he cannot penetrate the north. We have our structures in the north. We have governors and our structures in the north,” Keyamo declared.

He added, “They are going nowhere in terms of demography. I like what is happening; they are putting us on our toes; it is going to make us work harder, but the numbers are not looking good for them.”

ASA