Bola Tinubu advises Peter Obi not to run as Atiku’s VP in 2027

DDM News

Daniel Bwala, a senior aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a stern warning to Labour Party leader Peter Obi.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Bwala advised Obi against accepting any offer to serve as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

Bwala delivered this warning during an appearance on Channels Television.

He cautioned that such a political decision would damage Obi’s credibility and diminish his popular appeal.

Peter Obi was the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections.

In 2023, Obi ran for president under the Labour Party and achieved widespread support, particularly among Nigerian youth and urban voters.

His political movement gained momentum, leading to the rise of his devoted supporters known as “Obidients.”

The “Obidients” have since remained vocal, passionate, and committed to Obi’s presidential aspirations.

In March 2025, Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, proposed the formation of a grand opposition coalition.

The goal of the coalition would be to unite opposition forces to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Speculation soon followed that Obi could join the alliance, possibly as a running mate rather than its lead candidate.

Daniel Bwala, however, described such a move as a critical political mistake for Obi.

He emphasized that Obi’s supporters had pledged their loyalty to him as a presidential candidate, not as a vice-presidential nominee.

“Peter Obi will be making the biggest mistake of his life to now come together under the agreement he will be a running mate,” Bwala declared.

He explained that the commitment of Obi’s followers was rooted in the belief that he would contest for the presidency.

Bwala stated, “The minute Peter Obi drops the idea of running for president himself, I can guarantee you he will lose the majority of the people that are following him.”

He added that Obi might also feel uncomfortable playing a secondary role in any political alliance.

Bwala took the opportunity to praise President Tinubu’s leadership and political capabilities.

He insisted that President Tinubu remains the most formidable figure in Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Let’s leave joke aside,” Bwala said, referring to Tinubu’s resilience.

He argued that Tinubu’s victory in 2023 came despite strong opposition and hostile political forces.

According to him, the president now has the power of incumbency and the platform to deliver effective governance.

Bwala said Tinubu is building national consensus and uniting different factions under his leadership.

He further noted that the proposed opposition coalition is already showing signs of disintegration.

“Those who are close watchers of events and activities and are not moved by emotions will see signs that indicate that the coalition is dead on arrival,” Bwala remarked.

He cited the defection of governors and senators from opposition parties to the ruling APC as evidence.

Bwala maintained that political figures are aligning with President Tinubu because of his leadership direction.

He said, “Everywhere where they think they have those strong structures, the people are coming under the tutelage of President Bola Tinubu.”

Bwala concluded that while the president is not perfect, his political strength remains unmatched.

He said, “His head and his heart is right, and there is no politician alive today that has political gravitas to gather people as much as the president.”

This development highlights early political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also underscores the growing tension within opposition camps as they strategize for the future.

The remarks by Bwala suggest that the ruling party is keen on undermining any emerging alliances before they take shape.

As political activities intensify, observers believe the coming months will determine the true direction of the opposition.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to provide detailed coverage as Nigeria prepares for another decisive electoral season.

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