A former member of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Mr Jude Idimogu, has urged Mr Peter Obi to shelve his 2027 presidential ambition and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Idimogu, who is the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Speaking frankly, Idimogu said it would be extremely difficult for Mr Obi to defeat Tinubu on any political platform in 2027.

“I strongly agree with the appeal to Obi. He should support Tinubu as both leaders are from the South,” he said.

Idimogu also backed a recent call by the Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who urged Obi to step down and join forces with Tinubu for the sake of the South.

Southern unity needed for 2027

According to the APC chieftain, Obi’s ambition would only divide Southern votes again and weaken the region’s chances in the next presidential election.

“This is the South’s turn. Let’s not allow another Southern candidate to disrupt the zoning and help Northern interests,” Idimogu said.

He appealed to all prominent politicians from the South to put aside personal ambitions and unite behind Tinubu to ensure the region retains power beyond 2027.

Tinubu needs more time to fix Nigeria

Drawing comparisons with former President Muhammadu Buhari, Idimogu noted that northerners remained united behind their candidate despite growing dissatisfaction at the time, Vanguard reported.

“Tinubu deserves full support. He cannot undo Nigeria’s problems in two years. With unity, progress is possible,” he added.

He insisted that a united Southern front would not only strengthen Tinubu’s chances but also guarantee fairness and preserve the region’s hold on the presidency.

Obi has a right to contest, but…

While acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to contest, Idimogu called on Igbo leaders to prioritise the South’s long-term interests over personal ambition.

He also encouraged Northern politicians to support Tinubu’s second term to ensure equity and national balance in the country’s leadership.

“Constructive criticism and alternative solutions from the opposition are welcome, but unity must take precedence,” Idimogu said.

Opposition not strong enough

The former lawmaker expressed confidence that neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had a candidate strong enough to unseat Tinubu in 2027, Daily Trust reported.

“Neither PDP nor ADC has a candidate strong enough to unseat Tinubu,” he maintained.