The Southeast chapter of the Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria (RHGN), a political advocacy group backing President Bola Tinubu, has announced plans to engage prominent Igbo leaders in an effort to persuade former Anambra State governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to shelve his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The group, led by Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, made the disclosure in Owerri, Imo State, saying it intends to approach the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other influential figures in the Southeast to seek their intervention.
According to the group, its planned engagement will include prominent elder statesmen such as former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and retired naval officer Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe.
RHGN said its objective is to convince Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and support President Tinubu, arguing that such a move could serve what it described as the Southeast’s long-term political interests and positioning.
The initiative, however, is coming from a political advocacy group and should not be interpreted as an official directive or position of President Tinubu, the Federal Government, or the ruling administration.
The proposal has also begun generating reactions among political and regional groups. While supporters of the initiative have presented it as a strategic political engagement, opposing voices have rejected the idea and maintained that Obi, like any other eligible Nigerian, has a constitutional right to contest for the presidency.
The development adds another dimension to the emerging political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as political groups across the country intensify efforts to attract influential figures and regional support ahead of the presidential contest.
