Obi: You Want To Force Somebody On Us Who Has No Vision To Govern Nigeria, Over My Dead Body - Fabiyi

Oladimeji Fabiyi, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a political ally of Atiku Abubakar, has criticised Peter Obi, expressing strong opposition to the idea of supporting the former Anambra State governor in the 2027 presidential election.

Fabiyi made the comments during an interview with Trust TV, where he discussed the political positions of Atiku, Obi and other major contenders ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to Fabiyi, he does not believe Obi has presented a sufficiently clear political direction or detailed vision for governing Nigeria. He argued that, based on his assessment of Obi’s political agenda, nothing would persuade him to abandon Atiku and support the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

Fabiyi expressed his position in particularly strong terms, insisting that he would not accept what he described as an attempt to impose Obi on him or other members of his political camp.

The ADC chieftain also spoke about conversations he said he had had with some supporters of Obi. According to him, some of those individuals allegedly indicated that they would prefer to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than Atiku in the 2027 election.

Fabiyi questioned the basis of such a position, particularly among people who, according to him, had previously supported Atiku or benefited from his political contributions.

He challenged Obi’s supporters to consider Atiku’s record and historical involvement in Nigeria’s political and economic development before dismissing his candidacy.

Fabiyi said, “Many of them were nowhere when Atiku was doing the good he did for this country. Where were they?”

He then questioned why supporters of Obi would seek to persuade him and others to support a candidate whom he believes has not clearly demonstrated how he intends to govern Nigeria.

“And you want to force somebody on us, somebody that does not have clear path, clear vision to how he wants to govern Nigeria. Over my dead body,” Fabiyi stated.

His comments reflect the increasingly competitive political environment ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly within opposition circles where different political figures and groups are attempting to build a coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fabiyi’s criticism also highlights the political differences that exist among opposition figures despite their shared opposition to the current administration. While Atiku and Obi have both positioned themselves as major opposition voices, their supporters do not necessarily agree on which candidate should lead an alternative political movement in 2027.

For Fabiyi, Atiku remains the candidate he considers more capable of providing the political leadership Nigeria needs. His remarks suggest that he views attempts to promote Obi over Atiku as unacceptable, particularly given Atiku’s long history in Nigerian politics.

The ADC chieftain’s comments are also likely to fuel debate among supporters of the various opposition candidates, especially as discussions about possible alliances and political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 election.

However, Fabiyi’s assessment of Obi’s political vision represents his personal political position, while questions about the candidates’ programmes, records and governing plans will ultimately be determined by voters and the wider political process