Lagos, 28 June 2025 – As Nigeria’s political landscape prepares for the 2027 presidential election, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 candidate, faces scrutiny over his yet-to-be-defined role in the opposition’s strategy to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu. A recent statement by a journalist has accused Obi of indecision that could jeopardise opposition unity and pave the way for another APC victory. However, critics argue that such accusations are premature, given the fluid state of opposition politics and Obi’s active involvement in coalition efforts.
Hundeyin’s post on X expressed frustration with Obi’s perceived reluctance to clarify whether he will stand independently or align with an opposition coalition for 2027. He argued that Obi’s “dithering” risks repeating the 2023 election’s opposition vote split, when Obi and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar collectively secured 12 million votes but lost to Tinubu’s 8.8 million due to a fragmented opposition. Hundeyin urged Obi to either declare his path or “step aside” to allow a “more resolute” leader to emerge, warning that Nigeria’s collective hopes are at stake.
“Peter Obi needs to stop faffing about and say whether he’s in or out,” Hundeyin wrote. “His silence is the single biggest obstacle to a united opposition. If he waits until the last minute to stand alone, we’ll get another four years of Tinubu.”
Critics of Hundeyin’s stance, however, contend that it’s too early to label Obi as indecisive. With 20 months until the February 2027 election, major opposition figures, including Atiku and former APC stalwart Rotimi Amaechi, have also not declared their intentions. Obi’s involvement in a coalition of opposition leaders, announced on 20 March 2025, further undermines claims of aloofness. The coalition, which includes Atiku, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others, aims to consolidate opposition forces, potentially under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or a new platform.
“Obi is already part of the coalition, engaging with key figures like Abubakar Malami,” noted political analyst Chidi Okonkwo. “Singling him out for not declaring his candidacy now is unfair when the entire opposition is still strategising.”
Obi has consistently stated he supports coalitions focused on “rescuing Nigeria” rather than mere “power grabbing.” In January 2025, he reiterated this principled stance, suggesting he prioritises a united front over personal ambition. His cautious approach may reflect strategic ambiguity, preserving leverage within the coalition while maintaining his appeal to the “Obidient” movement—millions of mostly young supporters who rallied behind him in 2023.
