Ashimolowo Casts Doubt on Obi’s Northern Support as Opposition Coalition Wobbles
The Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has cast doubt on the electoral prospects of former Anambra State governor and ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Nigeria’s northern region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Outside the Box, Ashimolowo argued that Obi’s chances of securing meaningful votes across core northern states are slim, citing unresolved national divisions.
“The chance of Peter Obi getting five per cent in 12 core Northern states will be a miracle because Nigeria has not healed,” he said. “He is a fantastic and gifted man, but he can’t win five per cent in the north.”
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform, finishing third behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite the loss, Obi retained strong backing among youths and urban voters, popularly known as the Obidients, fuelling speculation about another presidential bid in 2027.
As political alignments intensify, Obi has signalled interest in re-contesting, though his political platform remains uncertain. He is linked to a broader opposition coalition spearheaded by Atiku Abubakar and other leaders seeking to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform. However, Obi is yet to formally register with the party, unlike Atiku, raising questions about his route to securing the coalition’s ticket.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, acknowledged internal challenges, particularly the rivalry between Atiku and Obi, but insisted the situation does not threaten democracy.
“Is it a conundrum? Yes. Is it a challenge? Yes. Is it something we are concerned about? Yes,” Abdullahi said.
He clarified that the ADC is currently prioritising nationwide party building rather than discussing presidential tickets.
“Nobody in the ADC at this time is having conversations about who the presidential candidates will be. We have so much work to do — to establish our presence across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” he said.
Abdullahi added that interest in the ADC ticket extends beyond Atiku and Obi, noting that the party may pursue consensus or open primaries when the time comes.
Meanwhile, Obi has previously highlighted unresolved issues within the coalition, including zoning and rotation of major offices, further complicating efforts to present a united opposition front ahead of 2027.