Despite increasing defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and growing endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East, voter sentiment in the region continues to favour former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Recent developments show a wave of support for Tinubu among political elites, with groups like the South East Progressive Association (SEPA) openly backing the President. SEPA commended Tinubu’s developmental initiatives in the region, including the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), key appointments, and official visits to South-East states. The group urged young professionals in the zone to rally behind Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in 2027.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kanu, also launched the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) to highlight the administration’s achievements. These moves, along with endorsements from key figures like Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and APGA leaders, have been interpreted as signs of growing APC influence.
However, widespread support for Peter Obi remains largely undiminished. In the 2023 elections, Obi secured overwhelming victories across the five South-East states, polling over 1.9 million votes compared to Tinubu’s 127,000. The Labour Party also dominated legislative seats in several states, reflecting the region’s strong backing.
Observers note that the sentiment which propelled Obi’s 2023 campaign—rooted in equity, regional rotation of power, and grassroots mobilisation—has not waned. Njiko Igbo Forum President, Okechukwu Obioha, stated that Obi remains the most credible candidate for 2027 from the South-East. He insisted that despite political realignments, the APC would struggle to gain more than five percent of the vote in the region.
Yet, concerns persist over the Labour Party’s internal crisis and Obi’s silence on a 2027 bid. Some residents have adopted a wait-and-see attitude, pointing to the party’s weakened political structure and lack of post-election momentum. Legal experts argue that the goodwill generated in 2023 is at risk if not properly harnessed.
Founding APGA chairman, Chekwas Okorie, believes the re-election plans of incumbent governors may dilute regional support for any presidential bid from the South-East. Meanwhile, others warn that endorsements for Tinubu do not necessarily reflect the wishes of the electorate, who still favour Obi’s candidacy.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 polls, the South-East finds itself at a political crossroads. While the APC gains elite allies, Peter Obi continues to command deep grassroots loyalty—signalling a region torn between political pragmatism and enduring popular sentiment.
