In a significant political development, former Anambra State governor and elder statesman, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has publicly endorsed Peter Obi as the ideal presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. Nwobodo made this declaration on Monday, January 6, 2026, when Obi and a high-profile delegation paid him a courtesy visit at his Amechi country home in Anambra State.
A Champion for Igbo Political Inclusion
During the visit, Senator Nwobodo did not mince words as he highlighted the prolonged political marginalisation of the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria's highest office. He lamented that no individual of Igbo extraction has occupied the presidency for over 50 years, a situation he described as unjust given the region's foundational role in the nation.
"I have always said we want to know our position in Nigeria, are we strangers?" Nwobodo questioned passionately. He expressed the enduring hope among Igbos that one of their own would eventually lead the country, stating, "We still pray to God that an Igbo man will be the president of Nigeria."
He invoked the legacy of the first President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, noting that the vision fought for by the nation's founding fathers remains unfulfilled. "Zik of Africa was there, and I believe he would be angry in his grave that what he fought for has not been achieved," Nwobodo remarked.
Peter Obi: The "Most Respected" Figure
Central to Nwobodo's endorsement was his glowing appraisal of Peter Obi's character and public standing. The elder statesman described the former Labour Party presidential candidate as "the most respected presidential figure in Nigeria." He emphasised that respect constitutes one of Obi's most potent political assets, alongside his proven leadership style and personality.
Nwobodo interpreted the visit by Obi's delegation as a commendable display of traditional values and respect for elders. "We respect elders. I'm no longer just Jim Nwobodo the politician; I am now an elder statesman. That is why they came to see me," he stated, framing the encounter within Nigeria's cultural context.
Obi's Visit: Felicitations Before Politics
In his response, Peter Obi clarified that the primary purpose of the visit was not political strategising. The former Anambra governor explained that he and his associates came to felicitate with Nwobodo on the New Year and seek his prayers as a revered national figure.
"We came to wish him well and to seek his prayers. We will return to discuss politics and the way forward," Obi said, indicating that formal discussions regarding his ADC membership and the 2027 elections would be scheduled for a later date.
This sentiment was echoed by Senator Ben Obi, who led the delegation. He revealed that the visit was agreed upon during a discussion with Nwobodo on December 26, 2025, and that the delegation plans to return to brief the elder statesman on the details of the Nike Lake Declaration, which formalised Peter Obi's move into the ADC.
The delegation included several other prominent figures, such as former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Senator Gilbert Nnaji, underscoring the significance of the meeting.
Broadening Political Alliances
This development follows Peter Obi's recent formal declaration for the ADC, a move that has been welcomed by key opposition figures. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar notably issued a statement welcoming Obi to the party, describing it as a "significant moment in the history of political coalitions" in Nigeria.
As the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape, Nwobodo's endorsement places Peter Obi firmly at the centre of discussions regarding opposition unity and the quest for a southern, particularly Igbo, presidency. It highlights the ongoing debate about equity, regional rotation, and the qualifications needed for national leadership in Africa's most populous nation.
