‘I Won 12 States Without One Governor’: Peter Obi Dismisses Governors’ Influence in 2027

NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has said the number of governors backing President Bola Tinubu will not determine the outcome of the 2027 election.

Speaking in an interview on Nooire TV, the former Anambra governor said political power comes from the people, not elected leaders.

He cited his performance in 2023, noting he won 12 states without the support of any governor. “I didn’t have one governor in the last election, and I won 12 states. Even after they have taken two from me, I won 12 states,” Obi said.

He claimed the figure could have been higher “if not for problems during the voting process.”

Obi, who was the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, said political alliances among governors should not be the main factor in 2027. He argued the election should focus on the welfare of Nigerians.

“The issue will be about the welfare of the people, the education of the people, and the health of the people. Nigerians are hungry today. Nigerians are looking for food,” he said.

The former governor said Nigeria’s challenges, including hunger, poor education, and healthcare problems, deserve more attention than political arrangements among “powerful individuals.”

He also referenced the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed Abuja’s status as a state for election purposes, saying “we now have 37 states.” Obi added that in 2023, APC, PDP, and Labour Party each won 12 states, while NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso won Kano.