It Doesn’t Matter Whether 36 Governors Are With Tinubu; I Won 12 States In 2023 Without Any Gov — Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has dismissed concerns over the acclaimed growing political support being enjoyed by President Bola Tinubu.

Obi noted that it does not matter whether all the 36 governors of the federation are backing the president, insisting that governors do not determine election outcomes; rather, voters do.

Speaking in an interview with NoireTV, Obi, who reiterated his allegation that he was rigged out in two states during the 2023 presidential poll, said the strength of any politician and political movement lies with the people rather than elected governors.

“It doesn’t matter whether 36 governors are with the president. I didn’t have one governor in the last election, and I won 12 states,” Obi said.

“Even after they have stolen two from me, I won 12 states. By making Abuja a state, we now have 37 states, because that is what the judgment of the Supreme Court showed.

“Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso won one state, Kano. APC, PDP, and Labour all won 12 states each. And in it, I lost two by the process of rigging. So, I would have had 14.”

Obi maintained that the focus of the 2027 elections should not be on political endorsements or elite alliances but on addressing the worsening living conditions faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“So it doesn’t matter whether they took all the governors. What is important, and what this election is going to be all about, is how to make Nigeria work for the poor,” he said.

“A Nigeria where tribe, ethnicity, and religion will not be the issue. The issue will be about the welfare of the people, the education of the people, and the health of the people. That’s the Nigeria we want. Nigerians are hungry today. Nigerians are looking for food.”

The former Anambra State governor’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several opposition figures and parties exploring possible alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and take power from President Tinubu.

Obi’s comments tend to reignite debates over the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, which he and his supporters have consistently challenged, alleging widespread irregularities and electoral manipulation.

The election outcome was ultimately upheld by the courts, including the Supreme Court, despite objections from opposition candidates. (SaharaReporters)