The Deputy National Chairman (North West) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hajia Najaatu Mohammed, has questioned Peter Obi’s ability to attract substantial electoral support in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Najaatu made the remarks during an interview published by The Sun Nigeria on Sunday, July 26, 2026, where she assessed the prospects of major political contenders expected to participate in the next general election.
Speaking on Obi’s political reach, she argued that the former Anambra State governor has limited influence outside the Southeast and would struggle to secure meaningful support across the North.
“Obi cannot go beyond the Southeast. I can bet you my life. Obi cannot make it in the North. Those that even voted for Obi in the last election were the Igbo that settled in the North,” Najaatu said.
Her comments add to the growing debate over the electoral viability of opposition candidates and the importance of regional support in Nigeria’s presidential elections.
However, the outcome of the 2023 presidential election showed that Obi’s support extended beyond the Southeast.
The Labour Party candidate recorded strong performances in several southern states and in a number of major urban centres across the country.
One of the most notable aspects of his 2023 campaign was his victory in Lagos State, traditionally regarded as a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi also won the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), defeating the APC candidate in Abuja and demonstrating significant support among urban voters.
Political analysts have often pointed to those victories as evidence that his appeal was not confined strictly to his home region.
Nonetheless, his performance in the core northern states was considerably weaker than in the South.
While Obi met the constitutional requirement of securing at least 25 percent of the votes in some North-Central states and other politically mixed regions, his overall vote totals in much of the Northwest and Northeast remained relatively low compared with the leading candidates.
That regional disparity has become a central issue in discussions surrounding the 2027 election, particularly as opposition parties seek strategies for building broader national coalitions.
Najaatu’s remarks reflect the view held by some northern political actors that electoral success in Nigeria requires a strong and independent base across multiple geopolitical zones, especially in the North, which accounts for a significant share of the country’s voting population.
The debate over Obi’s northern prospects has intensified following recent political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
According to the report, Obi has selected former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential running mate for the 2027 election.
The proposed Obi–Kwankwaso ticket is being viewed as an attempt to bridge the regional gap identified by critics of Obi’s previous presidential bid.
Kwankwaso is widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano State and parts of the Northwest, where he has maintained a loyal support base through his political movement.
Supporters of the alliance argue that combining Obi’s popularity among young, urban and reform-minded voters with Kwankwaso’s established northern network could create a more competitive national ticket.
The partnership is expected to be closely watched by political observers as parties continue consultations, negotiations and coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 polls.
Najaatu’s comments also come amid broader discussions about the changing nature of Nigerian voting patterns.
While ethnicity and regional identity remain influential factors in elections, recent contests have also shown the growing importance of issues such as economic hardship, governance, unemployment, insecurity and public trust in political leadership.
Obi’s 2023 campaign, in particular, attracted significant support from young voters, professionals and urban residents who rallied around his message of reform and accountability.
Whether that support can be expanded into a stronger presence in the Northwest and Northeast is likely to remain a major question as the 2027 campaign develops.
Political analysts note that winning the presidency in Nigeria typically requires not only regional strongholds but also the ability to build cross-regional alliances capable of meeting constitutional vote-distribution requirements.
As preparations for the 2027 election continue, opposition figures, ruling party leaders and emerging coalitions are expected to intensify efforts to strengthen their bases in key battleground states across the country.
Najaatu’s remarks therefore represent one perspective within a wider national conversation about electoral strategy, regional influence and the prospects of major presidential contenders in the next general election.
Ultimately, the question of Peter Obi’s ability to compete effectively in Northern Nigeria is expected to be tested not by political commentary alone, but by voter mobilisation, coalition-building and electoral performance as the 2027 presidential race gathers momentum.
