Abuja — Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy, has cautioned Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against contesting the 2027 elections as a vice presidential candidate, warning that such a move would alienate his support base.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Bwala stated that Obi’s political strength lies in his direct presidential ambition, and any attempt to play second fiddle would lead to a significant loss of support from his passionate followers — the Obidients.
“Peter Obi will be making the biggest mistake of his life to come under any agreement as a running mate,” Bwala said. “The Obidient movement had only one contract with him — that he would run for president. If he drops that ambition, he will lose the majority of his followers.”
Bwala acknowledged Obi’s appeal and the momentum he built ahead of the 2023 elections, particularly among Nigeria’s youth and diaspora communities. However, he emphasized that joining forces with another candidate as a running mate would be a strategic blunder.
“The idea that he should step down to play second fiddle would not only betray his supporters but also suggest weakness in his political resolve,” Bwala added.
He further asserted that President Tinubu remains a formidable political figure who, despite challenges, commands wide support and continues to attract defections from opposition ranks.
“Governors, senators, and other political actors are aligning with the President. The coalition [against him] is dead on arrival,” Bwala claimed. “President Tinubu may not be perfect, but his intentions are clear, and no politician today matches his political reach.”
Peter Obi, who was the vice presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar under the PDP in 2019 before contesting independently in 2023 under the Labour Party, is yet to declare his intentions for 2027.
Comments