How Umahi will dwarf Obi-Kwankwanso movement in Southeast- NDIABAT

The Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has dismissed the emerging political alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing it as inconsequential and incapable of threatening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozor, the forum said the proposed alliance under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lacked the political structure and influence needed to make a meaningful impact across the Southeast.

The group expressed confidence in the political strength of the Forum of Former Southeast Governors led by the Minister of Works, Dave Nweze Umahi, insisting that the platform would mobilise massive support for President Tinubu ahead of the next general election.

According to the statement, the Obi-Kwankwaso movement would “crumble like a pack of cards” against the political machinery being assembled by the former Southeast governors, which it claimed was capable of delivering millions of Igbo votes to the ruling party across the country’s 774 local government areas.

NDI-ABAT reaffirmed its loyalty and support for the Southeast governors’ forum, pledging to work closely with the group to ensure Tinubu’s victory in the region during the 2027 presidential election.

The forum further argued that the opposition coalition remained fragmented and weak, making it difficult for the alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso to gain traction among voters in the Southeast and among Igbo communities outside the region.

The group also alleged that intelligence reports indicated possible attempts by supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso movement to instigate violence during the electioneering period. It warned that it would resist any act capable of disrupting peace and democratic stability in the Southeast.

As part of its preparations for the 2027 elections, NDI-ABAT announced plans to organise a “Pro Tinubu Summit” on June 12, 2026, to coincide with Democracy Day celebrations, as well as a “Southeast Two Million Man Rally” scheduled for July 2026.

According to the forum, both events are aimed at consolidating support for President Tinubu in the Southeast and preventing a repeat of the electoral gains recorded by Obi’s Labour Party in the region, Lagos, and Abuja during the 2023 general election.

The group maintained that Tinubu’s anticipated victory in the Southeast would be secured under the political leadership of Senator Umahi and the Forum of Former Southeast Governors.