The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, has expressed strong doubts that Peter Obi, the presidential flagbearer of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), will match his 2023 election showing in the 2027 polls.
In an interview on Arise News, Mohammed-Baba noted that the political landscape has shifted dramatically since the last election, with Obi switching parties multiple times—a factor that undermines his credibility. He argued that while Obi performed impressively in 2023, subsequent events have eroded his support base.
The Arewa Forum official also questioned the viability of Obi’s running mate, Engr Rabiu Kwankwaso, who delivered Kano State in 2023 under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP). Mohammed-Baba expressed scepticism about Kwankwaso’s ability to replicate that feat in 2027, pointing to some of his recent controversial statements.
Mohammed-Baba criticised the prevailing trend of personality-driven politics, saying that personal ambition often overshadows service to the electorate. He stressed that in a nation of over 220 million people, individual desires for power must translate into tangible benefits for citizens. He recounted conversations with ordinary Nigerians who feel abandoned and rely solely on divine intervention, noting that prayer must be complemented by concrete action.
He remarked, “Peter Obi made significant inroads in 2023, but I think his support has been weakened by his actions since then. Given his party hopping—at least two or three times—voters are left wondering about his true intentions. I will be very surprised if he achieves the same level of performance in 2027.”