A fresh political controversy has erupted ahead of the 2027 general elections, following critical remarks from a former associate of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Segun Sowunmi has publicly questioned the electoral viability of Labour Party's Peter Obi against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shifting Dynamics in the South-East
Sowunmi, speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television on January 16, 2026, argued that the political landscape that propelled Obi's strong performance in the 2023 election has fundamentally changed. He specifically pointed to the South-East region, where Obi secured overwhelming victories, sometimes exceeding 90% of the vote.
The core of his argument hinges on the new generation of state governors. Sowunmi claimed that current governors in the region are more assertive, performance-driven, and inspirational compared to their predecessors during the last election cycle. "None of those people can be run over easily," he stated, suggesting this makes it difficult for Obi to command the same level of regional dominance he enjoyed in 2023.
Internal Divisions and Political Aggression
Beyond the changing leadership, Sowunmi blamed internal factors within Obi's support base for diminishing his broader national appeal. He cited what he described as "excessive bigotry, anger, and constant quarrels" among some of the former Anambra governor's followers.
According to Sowunmi, this atmosphere of intolerance and political hostility has alienated potential allies and undecided voters. "Politics is persuasion, not aggression," he remarked, indicating that the inability to tame these excesses has created a significant pushback against Obi's movement.
Primaries Could Still Spring Surprises
Despite his pointed analysis, Sowunmi cautioned against completely writing off any aspirant at this stage. He reminded observers that Nigerian politics is often unpredictable, especially during party primaries.
He referenced the 2023 presidential primaries, where Peter Obi finished as a strong runner-up, as an example of how internal contests can reshape the political field. "People will still have to count the votes at the primaries," Sowunmi noted, leaving room for unexpected outcomes as the election cycle develops.
These comments arrive amid intense political manoeuvring within opposition circles, with figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar being linked to potential coalitions aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Sowunmi's intervention highlights the ongoing internal debates over strategy, leadership, and electability as Nigeria begins its long march toward the 2027 polls.
