ABUJA — Aloy Ejimakor, the Special Counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has strongly condemned suggestions that Peter Obi should abandon his 2027 presidential ambitions due to President Bola Tinubu’s purported control over state institutions. Obi, the former Labour Party standard-bearer, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on December 31, 2025, to lead what he describes as a “rescue journey” for Nigeria.
In a statement released via his official social media handle, Ejimakor described such counsel as “cowardly and duplicitous.” He argued that those urging Obi to step aside because the presidency “controls” the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies are ignoring historical precedents.
Historical Precedent: Jonathan vs. Buhari
Ejimakor characterized the argument of absolute executive control as “ahistorical.” He pointed to the 2015 general elections, noting that then-President Goodluck Jonathan was in full control of all state instruments of power, yet he suffered a historic defeat to Muhammadu Buhari.
“Incumbency has its limits,” Ejimakor stated, emphasizing that the influence of the presidency does not guarantee an electoral victory if the popular will shifts against the sitting government.
Obi’s Vow and the ADC Platform
The lawyer’s remarks come as Obi intensifies his 2027 campaign under the ADC banner. Since joining the party, Obi has confirmed he will run as a “number one” contender, dismissing any possibility of serving as a running mate to other opposition figures.
Obi has also issued a thunderous rebuttal to corruption allegations, challenging critics to prove any wrongdoing during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State. “If anyone can point to just one place where I stole money—as a governor or in private business—I will step down from the 2027 presidential race,” he declared.
Shifting Political Alignments
Obi’s move to the ADC has triggered a massive realignment within the opposition. Reports indicate that several prominent leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, have also backed the ADC as a unified platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While internal agitation grows for Obi to be officially adopted as the ADC’s flagbearer, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, has cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, stressing the need for unity as the party navigates its democratic process.
The Southeast Factor
Ejimakor also linked the political atmosphere to the ongoing unrest in the Southeast. He has previously warned that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu could significantly impact the APC’s chances in the region, suggesting that the 2027 elections will reflect the “widespread anger” over recent court judgments against the IPOB leader.
As the race for 2027 heats up, Ejimakor’s intervention reinforces the narrative that the ADC has emerged as a formidable vehicle for opposition forces, signaling a clear departure from the internal crises that plagued Obi’s former party.
