2027 Not a Replay of 2023 – Lagos APC Warns Peter Obi

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), that his popularity during the 2023 election may not guarantee similar support in 2027.

The party said Obi would need to demonstrate ideological consistency, develop a strong political structure and present clear policies to maintain his influence ahead of the next general election.

The APC’s Lagos spokesman, Seye Oladejo, made the remarks on Monday in a statement titled 2027: Peter Obi and the Expiration Date of Political Momentum.

Oladejo acknowledged that Obi’s 2023 campaign gained support from public dissatisfaction, youth participation and strong social media engagement. However, he argued that the enthusiasm generated during an election campaign does not necessarily translate into lasting political strength or a nationwide organisational network.

He said Obi appeared to have treated the political momentum he gained in 2023 as though it would continue indefinitely, adding that electoral support could decline without consistent political positions, credible policies and sustained grassroots organisation.

According to the APC spokesman, the circumstances that contributed to Obi’s performance in 2023 may not be repeated in 2027, as each election is shaped by different political and social conditions.

Oladejo also criticised Obi’s movement between political parties, referring to his previous affiliations with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), as well as his subsequent political realignments ahead of the 2027 election.

He argued that although changing parties was not necessarily wrong, repeated movements could raise questions about whether a politician’s decisions were guided by firm political principles or personal ambition.

The Lagos APC spokesman further questioned Obi’s policy consistency, saying presidential candidates needed to explain how they intended to address major national problems, including inflation, unemployment, public debt and energy challenges.

He maintained that presenting workable solutions required candidates to explain the costs, compromises and practical steps involved in implementing their proposals.

Oladejo also took issue with Obi’s recurring call for Nigerians to verify his claims, arguing that some statements had faced scrutiny that challenged the accuracy of the figures and assertions presented.

He said the Obidient movement, which grew around Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, would need to move beyond protest and public mobilisation by developing clear policies, stronger organisation and a sustainable national coalition.

According to him, the 2027 election would depend on candidates’ ability to convince voters that they had the competence, credibility, organisational capacity and vision needed to govern the country.

Oladejo added that the APC recognised that electoral victories had to be earned through performance and public confidence. However, he said no candidate should expect the ruling party to surrender its political advantage simply because of popularity gained in a previous election.

He maintained that the political momentum Obi enjoyed in 2023 should be treated as an opportunity to build lasting support rather than a permanent guarantee of electoral success.