Nigerian activist and social commentator, Godwin Offor, has urged former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi to prepare for a tough political battle if he intends to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Offor said Obi should be prepared to take the political risks associated with the contest and do more than rely on supporters turning out to vote, arguing that protecting votes would be equally important.
His comments come as the 2027 presidential race takes shape, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having published the final list of presidential candidates. Obi is listed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Tinubu is the candidate of the APC. The election is scheduled for January 16, 2027.
According to Offor, if Obi believes the 2027 election could be his final presidential bid, he should demonstrate the determination required to confront the political machinery of the ruling party.
He also questioned what steps Obi and his political structure are taking to ensure that votes cast for him are properly protected and counted.
“It’s not all about voting; it’s all about protecting the votes,” Offor said, stressing that Obi and his supporters must prepare for the realities of the electoral process.
Offor further argued that Obi should not depend solely on religious or grassroots engagements, including church visits, to secure victory.
“Visiting churches won’t win or carrying Bible around won’t win him the presidential election,” he said, urging Obi to combine his message of political change with a stronger political organisation capable of defending his mandate.
The commentator also referenced the growing political realignments ahead of the election, particularly FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s declared support for Tinubu’s re-election. Wike has repeatedly said he is working to support Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Offor said the political developments surrounding Obi should serve as a warning that the 2027 contest will require strategic preparation and a strong campaign structure.
He maintained that many Nigerians who support Obi see him as a candidate capable of bringing significant change to the country and therefore expect him to demonstrate the political determination necessary to pursue that objective.
“Everyone sees you as sent to make Nigeria better again; you also need to fight for it,” Offor said.
His remarks come amid increasing activity among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 election. Obi has called for opposition politicians to focus on issues including poverty, hunger and insecurity, while other opposition candidates, including Atiku Abubakar and Seyi Makinde, are also preparing for the presidential contest.
Offor’s central message to Obi is that securing votes should go beyond mobilising supporters on election day and include building the political and organisational capacity required to safeguard the electoral process.
