The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has questioned the ability of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi to sustain the political momentum he generated during the 2023 general election ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.
The party argued that Obi’s popularity in 2023 might not translate into electoral success in 2027, citing concerns about his political realignments, organisational capacity, policy consistency and public credibility.
The Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, stated this in a statement on Monday, titled “2027: Peter Obi and the Expiration Date of Political Momentum.”
Oladejo acknowledged that Obi’s 2023 campaign generated considerable enthusiasm, particularly among young Nigerians, through social media mobilisation and widespread dissatisfaction with established political parties.
However, he argued that the enthusiasm had yet to demonstrate the organisational strength and nationwide political structures required to sustain a presidential ambition.
“Political momentum is an opportunity, not a permanent asset. It must be converted into institutional strength, public trust, and measurable political capacity. Otherwise, it gradually loses its value,” he said.
The APC spokesman also questioned Obi’s movement across political parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, arguing that the changes raised questions about his ideological consistency.
According to him, Obi needs to explain the principles underpinning his political decisions and demonstrate his commitment to building a lasting political institution rather than relying on platforms primarily as vehicles for electoral ambition.
“Political mobility may secure a ticket, but only consistency can sustain credibility,” Oladejo said.
He further argued that social media visibility, rallies and an enthusiastic support base could not replace the grassroots structures, national alliances and organisational discipline needed to compete in a presidential election.
Oladejo said Obi had an opportunity after the 2023 election to consolidate his support base into a durable political movement but maintained that subsequent political realignments had raised questions about whether that opportunity had been fully utilised.
The Lagos APC spokesman also challenged Obi to provide greater clarity on his policy proposals, particularly on inflation, employment, public debt, energy security, education, healthcare and infrastructure.
He said presidential aspirants needed to explain how their proposed policies would work, what they would cost and how they would address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
According to Oladejo, commitments to fiscal discipline, economic productivity and poverty reduction must be supported by clear policy frameworks rather than broad promises.
He also criticised Obi’s recurring expression, “go and verify”, arguing that the phrase had sometimes exposed his public claims to scrutiny that questioned their accuracy and context.
Oladejo, however, acknowledged that not every claim made by Obi was necessarily wrong and that criticism directed at him was not automatically justified.
He maintained that the former Anambra State governor, like other presidential aspirants, should substantiate his assertions with credible sources, relevant context and transparent calculations.
“’Go and verify’ is not evidence. It is an invitation to examine the evidence-and the findings may not always favour the person who issued the invitation,” he said.
On the Obidient movement, Oladejo said the political mobilisation that characterised Obi’s 2023 campaign would need to evolve into a more structured organisation capable of sustaining support beyond social media engagement.
He argued that a movement’s visibility in online conversations did not necessarily translate into an electoral majority, adding that Obi would need to demonstrate broader national appeal and build alliances across different constituencies.
The APC spokesman also cautioned against assuming that the political circumstances that shaped the 2023 election would be repeated in 2027, noting that voter priorities, alliances and the national political climate could change.
He said Obi needed to demonstrate what had changed in his political organisation since the last election, how his policy positions had developed and which new constituencies he had persuaded.
Oladejo added that the APC recognised that electoral success depended on performance, organisation, persuasion and public confidence, but argued that Obi should not expect his previous popularity to guarantee another strong showing.
He maintained that the 2027 election would require candidates to demonstrate credibility, policy clarity, organisational capacity and a clear vision for national leadership.
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform and finished third, behind the APC’s Bola Tinubu and the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declared results.
His campaign attracted significant support from young voters and other Nigerians seeking an alternative to the country’s two dominant political parties.
As political alignments ahead of the 2027 election continue to evolve, the Lagos APC spokesman said the central challenge for Obi would be to demonstrate that the political capital accumulated in 2023 had developed into a sustainable national movement.
“The 2027 election will not be decided by who can most successfully recreate the emotions of 2023. It will be decided by who can persuade Nigerians that they possess the competence, credibility, organisation, and vision required to lead the country forward.
“The wave that lifts a politician today may recede tomorrow. The enduring test is whether he has built the political depth to remain standing when the tide goes out,” Oladejo said.
