Peter Obi: The Presidential Ambition And Other Matters -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

As the race to the 2027 general election began, all eyes are on the political gladiators especially now that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government has failed the nation. Baring manipulations from the ruling APC and the INEC, Nigerians are poised to vote out the APC. And the two most prominent political figure squaring up for the nation’s number one position are His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, whom INEC declared second in the last presidential election in 2023 and Mr. Peter Obi formerly the Labor Party and now a bona-fide member of the ADC with Atiku.

I have stated in earlier essays that if the nation Nigeria is desirous of taking back their country from the grip of the ruinous APC regime, the nation must unite and the opposition must rally round one credible candidate. And that candidate is Atiku Abubakar. And the main reason or this is Atiku’s general acceptability across the broad spectrum of Nigerian people, his clout and patriotic posturing.

Peter Obi seems to be riding on a moral high horse but elections are much more than that. Obi has not shown the consistency and readiness required to clinch the job of the nation’s number one job. The purpose of this essay, however is not to dwell on Peter Obi’s character, doing that may be counterintuitive, but to highlight some of the odds against Obi and the need for him to make the right political decisions to will be beneficial to him and his people.

Elections at the presidential level is a serious business requiring rigorous analysis, planning and strategic alliances, realignment and realignment where and when necessary. Election is a costly business; one who goes into election does not act on impulse.  It goes beyond mere popularity or campaign rhetoric but clear concise strategy to woo voters. It requires clear understanding of the time, national consciousness, voters’ characteristics and spread. It requires a period of patience, watching and waiting. And most importantly, it requires a realistic appraisal of one’s situation: strength, opportunities and threats. An objective assessment of this will make one decide and fine-tune one’s strategic alliance.

In a multi-cultural entity like Nigeria, high personality profile and personal accomplishments alone are never enough to win elections. There are many other factors ranging from place of origin, religion and political affiliations. Added to these is the issue of one’s support base and political structures and general acceptability.

Most of Nigerians electorate especially from the North and Southwest with limited civic education do not vote according to their consciences but vote where are asked to vote. That is reality number one and the dilemma of the Nigerian state. Thus, anyone desirous of grabbing power at the center must identify these power-wielders who directs people on where to vote. Open campaigns, good manifestoes, impressive resume and pedigree are for the enlightened ones. And how many are they in Nigeria? And even the ones you think are enlightened have their minds corrupted by ethnicity and religious bigotry. Otherwise how can you explain how professors will openly rig election and enthrone thugs and recidivist in power?

On a personal note, I sympathize with Mr. Peter Obi, if not for anything but for his impressive personal record. But without sounding immodest, I will advise him to do a realistic appraisal of the Nigeria’s political environment once again before launching out. Yes, the call is strident in the social media: Obi should go for presidency, Obi must not step down for anybody. Obi is the number one. But unknown to Nigerians, most of those calls are being sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) propaganda agents. First, they know Obi will not win because the mood of the nation especially in the North and hypocritical Southwest will not accommodate a president of Igbo extraction. And two they would want to deny other credible candidates the votes from the East.

My sincere advice to Mr. Peter Obi and Ndigbo to which I am one of them by marriage is that Mr. Obi should queue behind Atiku Abubakar. That is the surest route to Igbo Presidency. Yes, Mr. Obi is popular but I must remind him that elections are not won on the social media platforms. Most of those in the Obidient Movement are resident outside the country and are not eligible to vote. Millions of others too don’t have voters card and even those that have may not bother to vote but sit in the comfort of their home to make arm-chair analysis. Atiku as a liberal mind and a detribalized political person is the one that can support Obi and make a president of Igbo extraction possible. The Wazirin Adamawa identifies with the best and what is right irrespective of tribe or religion. He believes in Nigeria unity, freedom and peaceful co-existence of the people. Nigerians open your eyes do not be deceived by propaganda and together we can take back our country. Long live Nigeria!

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK