2027: Obi Takes Presidential Bid to Afenifere’s Doorstep

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, took his 2027 campaign to a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, on Tuesday. He was joined by the party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Tanko Yunusa.

The meeting was held at the group’s Lagos office. This particular Afenifere faction, once led by the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, had backed Mr Obi in the last presidential election, where he finished in third place.

According to a statement, Mr Obi and his team were welcomed by the group’s leaders. These included Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Chief Supo Shonibare, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, and Afenifere’s General Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni.

In the statement, which was jointly signed by Oba Olaitan and the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, it was said that Mr Obi thanked Afenifere for its past support and for its long-standing push for good governance. He also briefed the leaders on current political events and his preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

The discussions covered a wide range of critical national issues. These included Mr Obi’s 2027 candidacy, the state of the nation, the harassment of political opposition, perceived threats to democracy, the country’s economic crisis, and the rising cost of governance.

Crucially, “Obi restated his commitment to restructuring and to Afenifere’s cardinal points on education, health, rural integration, and full employment,” the statement added.

In response, Afenifere reaffirmed its belief in “abundance for all” and praised Mr Obi for aligning with its vision. The group’s leaders also expressed deep concern about the “shrinking democratic space” and encouraged all Nigerians to keep alive the democratic spirit fought for by the nation’s founders.

The meeting concluded around 4 p.m., with promises of more consultations and working together in future.

This visit to Afenifere is part of a wider effort by Mr Obi to seek support in South-West Nigeria for his next presidential bid. It comes just days after he visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.