Daniel Bwala, a special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, has made a bold prediction concerning the political future of Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate. Bwala asserts that Obi will not secure the presidential or vice-presidential nomination of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.
Bwala's Stance on Obi's Political Influence and Future
Speaking during an appearance on The Clarity Zone Podcast, Bwala provided a detailed critique of Peter Obi's political standing. He argued that the former Anambra State governor has lost significant control over the political structure he built, particularly after the 2023 presidential polls. Bwala specifically pointed out Obi's diminished influence in the National Assembly, questioning the loyalty of lawmakers and governors previously associated with him.
"After the election, he lost everybody he was leading," Bwala stated. "He had members in the House of Representatives. How many are there in the National Assembly? The only governor he had... is the governor with him or with us? In fact, I have not seen one that identifies with him at the moment."
Bwala further dismissed the electoral impact of Obi's support for various candidates in subsequent elections, claiming they all failed. He also took aim at Obi's online supporters, whom he described as an "army of Trojans" that attacks critics for being disloyal while ignoring their principal's own history of changing political parties.
A History of Party Switching and Hypocrisy Claims
The presidential aide heavily criticised what he termed Obi's lack of party loyalty, framing it as a major liability. Bwala traced Obi's political journey across multiple platforms, suggesting this pattern undermines his credibility.
"He started with PDP, then went to APGA. In APGA, he came back to PDP. From PDP, he went to Labour," Bwala recounted. He emphasized that Obi is currently caught "between ADC and Labour" but will ultimately end up running on a platform different from both.
Bwala concluded his prediction by firmly stating, "He will not be the presidential candidate, he will not be the vice-presidential candidate. Peter Obi is going to run on a platform other than Labour and other than ADC."
Challenges for Obi's 2027 Ambitions and ADC Factional Issues
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Bwala downplayed Obi's chances of replicating his 2023 performance, where he garnered over 6.1 million votes to finish third. Bwala characterized Obi's previous success as a fleeting opportunity rather than a reflection of deep, enduring grassroots strength, describing his appeal as "make-believe."
This prediction comes amidst existing internal discord within the ADC. A faction of the party led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, has previously disowned Peter Obi's reported defection. The group declared that his alleged registration at the party’s Enugu zonal office did not follow due process and breached the party's constitution, highlighting a potential roadblock for any ambition Obi might have within the ADC.
The statements from a key figure in the Tinubu administration signal the beginning of intense political manoeuvring and narrative-shaping as the country gradually approaches the next election cycle. The focus on Peter Obi's party affiliation and influence underscores the high-stakes nature of coalition-building and ticket negotiations ahead of 2027.
