Supporters of Nigerian politician Peter Obi have called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw his anticipated 2027 presidential bid and endorse Obi as the opposition’s consensus candidate. The appeal came during a series of coordinated rallies in southeastern Nigeria celebrating Obi’s 64th birthday, highlighting intensifying efforts to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.
Thousands of activists from the grassroots “Obedients” movement gathered in cities including Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia on Saturday for peaceful demonstrations branded as the “One Million Man-March for Obi.” Chibuzor Obiesili, a lead organizer in Abia State, framed the events as both a celebration of Obi’s advocacy for marginalized communities and a strategic push to consolidate opposition support behind him. “Peter Obi represents the clarity and credibility Nigeria needs to move forward,” Obiesili told reporters, adding that the former Anambra State governor’s cross-regional appeal positions him as a unifying figure.
While acknowledging Atiku Abubakar’s role in fostering opposition alliances against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Obiesili urged the former presidential candidate to prioritize national interests over personal ambition. “Atiku’s greatest contribution now would be to step aside and help Peter Obi secure the African Democratic Congress [ADC] ticket,” he stated. The appeal reflects simmering tensions within Nigeria’s opposition bloc, which has struggled to present a cohesive front since Tinubu’s 2023 victory. Analysts note that Obi’s perceived popularity among youth and urban voters—evident in his third-place finish last year—has energized calls for him to lead a broader coalition.
The birthday rallies also underscored Obi’s image as a champion of economic equity. Obiesili described the events as organic demonstrations by citizens “tired of empty promises,” emphasizing Obi’s consistency in critiquing government policies affecting low-income Nigerians. Though neither Obi nor Atiku has publicly addressed the ADC proposal, the public campaigning signals early jockeying within opposition ranks ahead of 2027. With Tinubu eligible for re-election, the viability of a unified challenger—and the regional dynamics of selecting a southern candidate like Obi—are likely to dominate political discourse in the coming months.
