Benin City, Nigeria — The Igbo community in Edo and Delta States has declared its unwavering support for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. This follows an alleged threat issued by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, concerning Obi’s recent visit to Benin City.
The development was made public in a statement on Friday by Chief Ekene Okpara, Coordinator-General of the Igbo Unity Forum, a socio-political group advocating for Igbo interests in the South-South region.
Chief Okpara described the governor’s alleged demand that Mr. Obi must obtain prior approval before visiting Edo State as “unwarranted and disrespectful,” saying it had further galvanized the group’s commitment to rally support for Obi.
“We find the governor’s statement deeply troubling. It is not only undemocratic but also an affront to the spirit of national unity,” Okpara said. “This has only strengthened our resolve. We are launching a nationwide campaign, including efforts in the diaspora, to deliver no fewer than five million votes for Peter Obi in 2027, regardless of the platform he chooses.”
The group also cited the worsening economic conditions in the country as a major concern. Okpara expressed disappointment in the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, describing the current economic hardship as one of the most difficult periods in Nigeria’s recent history.
“Nigerians are enduring untold hardship. Prices are skyrocketing, infrastructure is crumbling, and the value of the naira continues to plummet. We believe Peter Obi remains one of the few credible alternatives with the vision and discipline needed to redirect Nigeria,” he said.
Okpara accused Governor Okpebholo of acting like a “meddlesome busybody,” urging him to focus on addressing governance challenges in Edo State rather than meddling in matters that could tarnish his reputation.
The Igbo Unity Forum called on residents of Edo and Delta States, as well as other Nigerians, to unite behind Obi in his expected bid for the presidency in 2027. The group also urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the deteriorating state of the economy and national infrastructure.
As political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the 2027 elections, observers say the growing grassroots mobilisation by regional and ethnic groups could significantly shape the emerging political landscape.
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