- Restricting Obi Could Backfire On APC
THE ND’IGBO for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum to review its political strategies ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning that restrictive and confrontational tactics against opposition figures could prove counterproductive.
In a statement issued on Thursday, signed by its National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group specifically criticised what it described as reported political restrictions involving Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ presidential flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi.
NDI-ABAT said such actions could generate public sympathy for opposition politicians while distracting attention from the performance and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The group argued that modern democratic politics should be driven by performance, effective communication, credible leadership and direct engagement with voters, rather than attempts to restrict political opponents.
“Restricting opponents is an outdated political strategy,” the forum said, urging APC leaders to focus instead on communicating the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, economic reforms, institutional reforms and other areas of governance.
According to the organisation, unnecessary political confrontations could turn relatively ordinary opposition figures into symbols of public sympathy and attract attention that might otherwise be directed towards the governing party.
NDI-ABAT also called on the APC Governors Forum to prioritise strategic planning, political discipline and responsible leadership ahead of the 2027 election.
“The APC Governors Forum must understand that President Tinubu requires strategic partners who can strengthen his message, communicate his achievements, and build confidence among Nigerians — not political actors whose actions create unnecessary distractions and complications,” the group said.
The forum maintained that the administration’s record of infrastructure development and economic policies should form the centrepiece of the president’s campaign for a second term.
It said particular attention should be paid to projects and policies affecting the Southeast and the aspirations of the Igbo people, adding that such achievements could help expand the president’s support base in the region.
NDI-ABAT further stressed the need for competent political communicators and forward-looking support structures capable of building public confidence through persuasion and positive engagement.
It cautioned that political controversies and what it described as poorly calculated strategies could undermine efforts to secure Tinubu’s re-election.
The group reaffirmed its support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid, saying it would continue to promote the administration’s achievements, infrastructure projects and policies, particularly those it said have benefited Nigerians in the Southeast.
NDI-ABAT called on APC supporters to embrace what it described as responsible politics, strategic communication and a forward-looking approach ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
