As speculation grows over Peter Obi’s possible candidacy under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 presidential election, former Lagos State lawmaker, Hon. Jude Emeka Idimogu,has called on the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer to shelve his ambition and back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Idimogu, who represented the Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly and currently serves as the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, made the appeal during a recent media chat in Lagos.
He argued that Obi stands little chance of defeating Tinubu in the next general election, regardless of the political platform he chooses to run on. Supporting a similar appeal made by Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okey Nwadinobi, Idimogu said Obi should prioritise regional unity and support Tinubu, as both leaders hail from the South.
“I fully support the call for Obi to withdraw from the race and rally behind Tinubu. Having two strong Southern contenders will only split the region’s votes and reduce our collective chances,” said Idimogu, who chaired the House Committee on Commerce and Industry from 2015 to 2019, and later the House Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment until 2023.
He stressed the need for Southern political figures to come together, arguing that unity behind Tinubu would strengthen the region’s chances and ensure continued leadership.
Idimogu concluded by urging prominent Southern leaders to throw their weight behind Tinubu’s 2027 ambition to avoid a repeat of the divisions witnessed in the last election.
“This time, it’s the turn of the South to produce and complete its eight-year tenure. Let’s not allow another Southern candidate to disrupt the zoning formula that ultimately would be to the advantage of Northern interests,” he stated.
Idimogu compared the situation to Buhari’s eight-year presidency, where northerners combined forces in support of their candidate despite public dissatisfaction.
“Tinubu deserves full support for a second term. He cannot undo Nigeria’s problems in just two years. With unity, progress is possible,” he stated, noting that a united Southern backing for Tinubu would guarantee a fair outcome and preserve the region’s hold on power.
While acknowledging Obi’s right to run for the presidency, Idimogu urged Igbo leaders to prioritise regional interest by backing Tinubu’s second term bid.
He appealed to Northern politicians to also support Tinubu to complete a Southern presidency for equity and national stability.
He noted that while opposition parties are free to offer constructive criticism and propose alternative policies, the need for national unity should take precedence above all else.
“Neither the PDP nor the ADC has a candidate strong enough to unseat Tinubu,” Idimogu stated.