ABUJA, NIGERIA — The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has declared that Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi will win more states in the 2027 general election than he did in 2023, citing the strengthened structure of the party and the addition of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Tanko made the declaration during an interview with Punch, where he assessed the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 elections and expressed confidence that the party would improve on its performance in 2023. He noted that the political dynamics had changed significantly since the last election cycle, with the NDC now boasting a more robust structure and a larger pool of candidates across the country.
“The dynamics have changed now, and we are working and expecting to win more states. In the last election, we didn’t have people like Kwankwaso, but we have him now. Obviously, that will increase our electoral fortune,” Tanko stated.
The Obidient Movement coordinator emphasised that the NDC has more candidates contesting the 2027 election than the Labour Party had in 2023, and that many of these candidates are particularly strong in the northern part of the country. He pointed to the political activities in Kano and Zamfara states as evidence of the party’s growing strength in the North.
“The number of our candidates for the 2027 election is more than what we had in 2023. Many of the candidates are very strong in the North. You would have seen what is happening in Kano and Zamfara states. We have more candidates who are willing to battle and wrestle for their tickets,” he said.
Tanko also highlighted the role of support groups such as the Obidient Movement and the OK Movement in strengthening Obi’s campaign. He said the structures available to the NDC were more suited to the demands of the 2027 election than those of 2023, and that this would translate into electoral success.
“Peter Obi will mobilise and win more states than in 2023. The structures we have now are more suited than they were in 2023. We will win Lagos State again because a lot of things have happened and a lot of people will be willing to fight for their lives. It’s about the people against the government. Lagos people are not buying petrol cheaper than the price in the North,” Tanko said.
He expressed optimism that voters would recognise the difference between the NDC and the ruling APC, and that they would turn out in large numbers to support Obi and Kwankwaso. He noted that the economic hardship facing Nigerians, particularly the high cost of fuel and other essential commodities, would drive voters to seek a credible alternative.
“We are really hoping that the voters will see the difference and know that their lives have been put into danger, and they need somebody who can help them in solving the problem of Nigeria. So, we believe that they should be able to come out en masse and give us the total vote that we are actually seeking for. We are hoping that we will have more than what we had in 2023,” he stated.
Tanko’s remarks come amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with the NDC positioning itself as a formidable challenger to the ruling APC. Obi and Kwankwaso have been touring the country, engaging with voters and presenting their agenda for economic transformation, security, and good governance.
The NDC’s chances in 2027 will depend on its ability to build on the momentum of the 2023 elections, when Obi’s Labour Party made significant inroads in the South-East, South-South, and parts of the North-Central. With Kwankwaso on the ticket and a larger pool of candidates, the party is hoping to expand its reach and secure victories in more states. For now, Tanko’s message is one of confidence: the NDC is ready for the battle ahead, and victory is within reach.
