Analyst Outlines Key Errors for Obi in 2027
Public affairs analyst Donald Okwuosa has identified five critical mistakes that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), must avoid repeating in the 2027 general elections. Okwuosa made these observations during an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, commending Obi for selecting Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his vice presidential candidate, a move he described as strategic to strengthen northern presence.
Kwankwaso as a Strategic Running Mate
Okwuosa praised Obi for choosing Kwankwaso, a seasoned politician with a strong track record, over his 2023 running mate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, whom he called a relatively unknown face in politics. According to Okwuosa, Kwankwaso's influence and the Kwankwashiya Movement, which boasts millions of followers, will significantly boost Obi's electoral chances in the north.
Five Mistakes to Avoid
The analyst listed five key errors Obi made in the 2023 elections that must not be repeated:
- Too frugal: Okwuosa argued that politics in Nigeria requires spending money to motivate voters and party officials. He urged Obi to allow his party to spend funds to encourage participation.
- Unrewarded party officials: Many party officials who worked during the 2023 elections were not paid or rewarded, leading to low morale. Okwuosa stressed the need for financial empowerment of party workers.
- Lack of party structure: The Labour Party, which Obi led in 2023, had little presence in many states, especially in the north. Okwuosa noted that Kwankwaso's party structure will help address this gap.
- Poor documentation of results: Obi's claimed victory in 2023 was based on assumptions that could not be proven in court due to lack of proper documentation of election results at polling units.
- Dormant diaspora funds: Nigerians abroad contributed billions to support the Obidient Movement, but the funds were not utilized. Okwuosa said Obi's refusal to spend the money was a major mistake.
Funding and Party Structure Essential
Okwuosa emphasized that money boosts morale and is essential for campaign mobilization, feeding of party officials, and election day observers. He urged Obi to stop being sanctimonious and allow the NDC to spend money to achieve maximum potential. The analyst also highlighted that Kwankwaso's vast party structure will ensure a strong presence in the north, complementing Obi's existing support in the south and north-central regions.
Obi and Kwankwaso's Legal Battle
Meanwhile, the NDC is intensifying preparations to appeal a court ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party. Kwankwaso expressed confidence in the party's unity and resilience despite legal setbacks, affirming that candidates will compete in the 2027 elections.
In a related development, presidential aide Sunday Dare asserted that Obi poses no threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, stating that Tinubu's government is focused on delivering its mandate through effective policies. Dare also criticized Obi's communication, describing some of his comments as lacking clarity and substance.
