Ijioma Nwokoro Warns Obi Against Return To PDP

Retired Major General Ijioma Nwokoro has warned Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to resist any attempts to lure him back to the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ijioma issued this advice while speaking during a virtual town hall meeting hosted by Ikengaonline, focusing on the political future of the Southeast.

Ijioma expressed concern that recent efforts to convince Obi to return to PDP might be strategic moves designed to undermine his growing political influence. He said the party no longer holds the structure or unity that could guarantee Obi’s ambition, especially with some of its key figures openly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress. In his view, Obi’s return would expose him to internal power struggles and betrayal.

The retired general also pointed to Obi’s current association with the coalition involving the African Democratic Congress. He advised the former Anambra governor to tread carefully and consider stepping away from the alliance if he is not assured of its presidential ticket. According to him, any uncertainty about Obi’s leadership role within that coalition could weaken his chances and derail his momentum going into 2027.

He maintained that Peter Obi remains one of the few politicians with wide national support across Nigeria. In his view, public trust in Obi has grown stronger due to dissatisfaction with current leadership and rising poverty levels. He said voters, especially those frustrated by hardship, are likely to support Obi regardless of which party he chooses to contest under.

Ijioma stressed that if Obi were to switch parties, that platform would likely become the main political force drawing support from the grassroots. He argued that voters no longer trust the traditional parties, which many blame for Nigeria’s current challenges. The retired general believes that Obi’s credibility has made him a rallying point for change among ordinary Nigerians.

He also referenced past calls for an Igbo presidency, recalling how former President Olusegun Obasanjo once urged the country to give the Southeast a chance at national leadership. Ijioma said Nigeria has been led by presidents from various regions, but never someone widely seen as truly representing the Igbo people. He said this adds weight to Obi’s appeal and historical significance.

The general concluded by urging Ndigbo, both at home and abroad, to unite behind Peter Obi as 2027 approaches. He argued that among all likely candidates from across the country, Obi stands out as the most prepared to address Nigeria’s problems. He blamed the opposition Obi faces on selfish elites who fear losing their grip on power and influence.