Sowunmi Says Obi, Obidients Pose Obstacle to Igbo Presidency

Convener of The Alternative movement, Segun Sowunmi, has identified Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his supporters, popularly known as Obidients, as major obstacles to the South-East’s ambition of producing Nigeria’s president.

Sowunmi made the remarks during an interview on the Selah Meditate Podcast, where he discussed the 2027 general elections and the prospects of presidential contenders.

He argued that securing the presidency in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multicultural political environment required negotiation, strategic alliances and cooperation across regional and political boundaries.

“The biggest obstacle I see to the Igbo presidency is Peter Obi and his Obidients,” Sowunmi said, maintaining that political power had to be negotiated rather than pursued without broader engagement.

He urged political leaders in the South-East to strengthen relationships with other parts of the country, beginning with the wider South and extending to the Middle Belt and northern Nigeria.

According to him, the level of hostility and anger displayed by some supporters could alienate potential political allies and undermine efforts to build the national coalition required to secure the presidency.

Sowunmi specifically criticised what he described as provocative conduct by some Obi supporters, arguing that political leaders had a responsibility to manage their followers and discourage statements that could be interpreted as tribal or divisive.

He said the behaviour of supporters could influence how other groups perceived both a candidate and the region associated with that candidate.

“A general has significant responsibility to manage his troops,” he said, stressing that political leaders should ensure their supporters acted in ways that did not undermine broader political objectives.

Sowunmi also compared the conduct of Obi’s supporters with that of supporters of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, arguing that political disagreements did not necessarily have to become ethnic disputes.

The political commentator further questioned what he described as a contradiction between the economic participation of some Igbo businesspeople across Nigeria and the grievances expressed over the region’s political and economic position.

He cited the presence of Igbo entrepreneurs in markets, retail, real estate, banking and private aviation, arguing that such economic interests made wider political engagement important.

Sowunmi’s comments come amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with parties and aspirants seeking alliances across regional and ethnic lines.

Obi, who has attracted substantial support among young Nigerians and other voter groups, is seeking to return to the presidential contest under the NDC platform.

The debate over the South-East’s presidential ambition has also been shaped by disagreements among regional political leaders over party affiliations, federal alliances and the strategy best suited to securing national power.

Sowunmi maintained that broader negotiations and a reduction in political hostility would be necessary for the region to build support beyond its immediate constituency.