By Isaac Mission
Senator Victor Umeh has rejected claims that Peter Obi is unpopular in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing such narratives as propaganda designed to create a false impression about the candidate’s standing in the region.
Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, made the remarks while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday.
The senator, a prominent supporter of Obi’s presidential bid, argued that the former Anambra State governor had already demonstrated during the 2023 election that his political support extended beyond the South-East.
According to Umeh, Obi recorded significant votes in parts of northern Nigeria during the last presidential election and could improve on that performance in 2027.
He said the belief that Obi is rejected across the North was merely a “make-believe” narrative being promoted by those who fear his growing political influence.
Umeh also pointed to the growing political awareness among Nigerian youths, arguing that many young voters were becoming less attached to traditional ethnic and political loyalties.
He maintained that Obi’s campaign should be assessed based on his proposed policies, programmes and capacity to govern rather than his ethnic or regional background.
Umeh condemns obstruction of Obi's convoy
The senator also criticised the reported obstruction of Obi’s convoy during the candidate’s visit to Benue State.
Obi’s convoy was reportedly stopped by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko road on September 8 while he was travelling to Yelewata to sympathise with victims and families affected by the 2025 killings.
Umeh argued that political candidates should be allowed to move freely across the country and engage voters without intimidation or obstruction.
He called for a transparent and credible electoral process in 2027, warning against a repeat of the controversies that surrounded the 2023 presidential election.
The Anambra lawmaker urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its electoral workforce by developing a pool of properly trained personnel rather than relying heavily on temporary ad-hoc officials.
He further advocated the prosecution of electoral offenders and cautioned against excessive dependence on artificial intelligence without first addressing unresolved concerns surrounding the 2023 election.
Obi targets broader northern support
Obi has repeatedly sought to expand his political appeal beyond the South-East, stressing the importance of competence over ethnic and religious considerations.
The 2023 presidential candidate has also identified agriculture, insecurity and the economic potential of northern Nigeria as key areas requiring attention.
For the 2027 contest, Obi is running under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
The alliance gives the campaign an additional northern political dimension, particularly because of Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano and other parts of the region.
Obi came third in the 2023 presidential election with 6,101,533 votes, behind Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar.
With the 2027 presidential contest expected to be closely fought, Umeh said voters should be allowed to assess competing candidates and their programmes freely before deciding who to support.