The political race ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is taking a new turn, with a group supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu planning to approach leaders in the South-East over Peter Obi’s presidential ambition.

The group, Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria, held a meeting in Owerri on Saturday, August 29, where members discussed strategies for supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to the group’s leader, Franklin Ngoforo, plans are underway to reach out to leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other respected elders who could engage Peter Obi and appeal to him to withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest and support Tinubu.

The group said its position was not intended to undermine Obi or question his political influence. Instead, it argued that the South-East should look beyond the immediate election and consider what political arrangements could benefit the region in the future.

Ngoforo reportedly argued that supporting Tinubu in 2027 could create an opportunity for the South-East to strengthen its political relationship with the South-West and improve its chances of seeking the presidency at a later date.

A major part of the argument is based on the constitutional limit on presidential tenure. If Tinubu wins a second term in 2027, he would not be eligible to contest for another term in 2031. The group believes this could create a new political opening for other regions, including the South-East.

The proposal, however, comes as Peter Obi remains active in the 2027 race. Obi has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and has continued to position himself as a major opposition contender.

The political development also comes amid increasing competition among opposition figures and growing efforts by political groups to build alliances ahead of the 2027 election.

Obi has, in recent months, been openly critical of the Tinubu administration. In July, he called on President Tinubu to step aside before the 2027 election, arguing that Nigeria needs stronger leadership to deal with its economic and security challenges.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, rejected Obi’s criticism and defended Tinubu’s ability to continue leading the country.

With the 2027 election drawing closer, negotiations, alliances and counter-alliances are expected to intensify. Whether the planned appeal to Peter Obi will have any effect on his presidential ambition remains to be seen.

For now, the move adds another layer to the growing political contest between Tinubu and the opposition ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched 2027 presidential election.