Former Jigawa Governor, Middle Belt Forum Declare Readiness to Support Peter Obi’s Presidential Bid

Former Jigawa Governor, Middle Belt Forum Declare Readiness to Support Peter Obi’s Presidential Bid

 

As political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify, former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has declared his openness to support the presidential ambition of Labour Party’s Peter Obi — if he emerges as the consensus candidate of an opposition coalition.

 

Lamido made this declaration in a recent media interaction, emphasizing that his loyalty to the PDP remains intact, but that his support in 2027 will go to any candidate who is truly committed to rescuing Nigeria from its current state of dysfunction.

 

“If the coalition produces Peter Obi or anyone else committed to rescuing Nigeria, I will support them. But I remain PDP,” Lamido stated. “Leadership should be about competence and vision, not geography.”

 

He also criticized the continued use of zoning as a political tool, describing it as a relic of past crises: “Zoning was meant to be a healing mechanism after the June 12 annulment, not a permanent formula. It has now become an albatross.”

 

Middle Belt Forum: “Peter Obi Keeps His Promises”

 

Echoing Lamido’s sentiment, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has hinted that it may throw its weight behind Peter Obi in 2027, citing his integrity and promise to serve a single four-year term if elected. The MBF President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, acknowledged that Obi stands out in a political landscape where trust is in short supply.

 

“With the North lacking viable options, we may have no choice but to stick with Peter Obi. He has a proven track record of keeping promises,” Dr. Pogu said. “In the absence of a trustworthy Northern candidate, supporting Obi or even Goodluck Jonathan—if he’s eligible—might be the only pragmatic choice.”

 

Pogu, however, expressed skepticism about whether Northern political actors would honor such support, noting past betrayals of similar one-term pledges.

 

Divided North Reacts: Skepticism, Conditional Support, and Rejection

 

The response from Northern political stakeholders to Obi’s one-term proposal has been deeply divided.

 

Former Minister of Information, Ibrahim Nakande, described Obi’s single-term pledge as “political rhetoric,” questioning whether his Southern base would even allow him to step down after one term. “It’s up to Nigerians to decide based on policies, not promises,” he added.

 

Elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai suggested that President Bola Tinubu is better placed to ensure a North-South power transition. “Tinubu is already limited to two terms. Constitutionally, he’s in the best position to hand over in 2031,” Yakasai said.

 

But others, like Alhaji Murtala Abubakar of the Arewa Defence League, argued that the zoning formula is outdated and anti-democratic. “We must move away from regional bargaining. Leadership should be earned through merit, not rotation,” he stated, calling Obi’s one-term offer a “divisive tactic.”

 

Alhaji Muhammad Danlami of the Arewa Youth Assembly outright rejected Obi’s proposition. He recalled past experiences with Goodluck Jonathan’s failed one-term promise, warning, “The North will not be deceived again. Obi plays the politics of ethnicity and religion. We won’t support that.”

 

Anthony Sani, former ACF Secretary General, called such pledges a sign of desperation: “They want power at all costs. It’s not about service anymore.”

 

Northern Youths and Civil Society: Wait and See

 

Alhaji Jamilu Charanchi of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) was more cautious. “Only time will reveal where the North’s true allegiance lies. Politicians always promise heaven and earth. But we’ll judge them by actions, not sweet words,” he said.

 

Similarly, former lawmaker Bitrus Kaze, though a past supporter of Obi, admitted the Far North may remain skeptical. “The message is strong, but I doubt they’ll be convinced. The Middle Belt might trust him, but not the core North.”

Obidient Movement: Obi’s Popularity Growing in the North

 

Despite the pushback, Alhaji Tanko Yunusa, Global Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said Peter Obi’s influence is growing steadily in Northern Nigeria. Citing recent honors like a traditional title from the Pantami Emirate in Gombe, Yunusa noted that Obi’s message is gaining traction across tribal and religious divides.

 

“Obi’s offer to serve only four years is not just strategic—it’s sincere. He believes even four years is enough to reset Nigeria,” Yunusa added.