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Peter Obi Not a Candidate, Going Nowhere in 2027 — Ex-Obidient Kitiya

Peter Obi Not a Candidate, Going Nowhere in 2027 — Ex-Obidient Kitiya

From Vanguard · (12m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • James Kitiya, a former supporter of Peter Obi, has declared that Obi has no realistic chance of winning the 2027 Nigerian presidential election.
  • Kitiya, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), cited Obi's weakened political momentum and lack of grassroots structure among diaspora supporters as reasons.
  • He praised President Bola Tinubu's administration for its performance and infrastructure efforts but acknowledged the need to address the cost-of-living crisis.

Vanguard reports on the strong assertion by James Kitiya, a former key figure in the 'Obidient' movement, that Peter Obi is politically finished and has no viable path to the presidency in 2027. Kitiya's defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) lends significant weight to his critique, positioning him as a disillusioned insider.

Don’t call Peter Obi a candidate, he’s going nowhere in 2027.

— James KitiyaKitiya's direct statement on Peter Obi's electoral prospects.

Kitiya's analysis focuses on the erosion of the Obidient movement's energy and the critical lack of practical, on-the-ground organization, particularly among supporters living abroad. He argues that the confidence and connection that fueled Obi's 2023 campaign have dissipated, leaving the movement without the necessary electoral machinery to challenge for the presidency.

Most of these guys, especially the ones outside Nigeria, they don’t have voter’s cards, they can’t mobilise people on the ground.

— James KitiyaKitiya's reasoning for the lack of grassroots support among diaspora Obidients.

While critical of Obi's political future, Kitiya offers a surprisingly nuanced perspective on the current administration. He credits President Bola Tinubu with visible performance and infrastructure development, citing projects like the coastal road. However, he tempers this praise by highlighting the pressing economic hardships faced by Nigerians, emphasizing that while policies may be commendable, tangible relief for the cost of living is paramount. This balanced view, coming from a former opposition figure, suggests a pragmatic assessment of the political landscape.

Before the 2023 election, if you check how we Obidients were talking, we had confidence because the connection was there. The connection is not there now.

— James KitiyaKitiya's observation on the diminished momentum of the Obidient movement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.