(DDM) — The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has stirred fresh political debate after suggesting that Peter Obi may not enjoy the same level of support from the South-East in the 2027 presidential election as he did during the 2023 polls.
Ezeokenwa made the statement during a media interaction with journalists in Lagos, where he discussed evolving political dynamics in the South-East region and the possible impact on future elections. According to him, the political environment across the region has changed significantly since the 2023 general election, and such changes could reshape voter alignments ahead of the next presidential contest.
His remarks come as political parties across Nigeria gradually begin positioning and strategizing for the 2027 elections, which analysts believe could feature intense competition among major political blocs.
During the 2023 presidential election, Obi, who contested under the platform of the Labour Party Nigeria, recorded overwhelming support in the South-East, a region widely considered his political base. Obi’s strong performance in the region was attributed to a combination of ethnic solidarity, youth-driven political mobilization, and dissatisfaction with the traditional dominant parties.
The former governor of Anambra State had previously served as a prominent figure within APGA before leaving the party years ago to pursue national political ambitions under different platforms.
However, Ezeokenwa argued that the political situation in the region is no longer the same as it was during the 2023 election cycle. He maintained that the South-East could become more politically competitive by 2027, suggesting that voters may reconsider their alignments depending on party strength, leadership structures, and political developments.
He further indicated that Obi could face strong political competition even within his home state of Anambra, where APGA has historically maintained a dominant political presence.
Anambra has long been regarded as the stronghold of APGA, with the party consistently performing strongly in state elections. According to Ezeokenwa, the party’s continued influence in the state demonstrates the loyalty of many voters to APGA’s political structure.
He referenced previous electoral outcomes in Anambra, including the most recent governorship election, as evidence of the party’s enduring grassroots support base.
Political observers say that APGA’s influence in the South-East, particularly in Anambra, has allowed it to maintain relevance despite the dominance of larger national parties.
Ezeokenwa also explained that the party is currently strengthening its political infrastructure across the region as part of its long-term electoral strategy. This includes mobilizing grassroots supporters, consolidating party structures, and expanding its reach in various South-East communities.
In addition, the APGA chairman revealed that the party’s alignment with the federal government is not a new political approach but rather part of its longstanding strategy of maintaining cooperative relations with the ruling administration.
According to him, such alliances are often intended to secure developmental benefits for states where the party has political influence.
Ezeokenwa therefore advised Obi not to assume that the political momentum he enjoyed in the South-East during the 2023 election will automatically translate into similar support in 2027.
“He should better not expect to enjoy the same level of support that he had in 2023,” he said.
His comments are likely to trigger further debate within the region, where Obi still commands significant popularity among supporters who view him as a reform-minded political figure.
Analysts note that although 2027 remains several years away, early political signals such as these often reflect emerging alliances, strategic positioning, and competition among parties seeking to consolidate influence ahead of the next presidential race.
