Bwala Warns: Obi Accepting VP Role in 2027 Would Be a Major Blunder

Bwala Warns: Obi Accepting VP Role in 2027 Would Be a Major Blunder

Daniel Bwala, media and policy adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a strong warning to Labour Party figurehead Peter Obi against accepting any offer to run as a vice presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

In an interview with Channels Television, Bwala argued that taking on a secondary role would be politically damaging for Obi, risking the momentum and support base he has built—particularly among Nigeria’s younger generation.

Obi, who was Atiku Abubakar’s running mate under the PDP in 2019, emerged as a major political force in the 2023 elections when he contested for the presidency under the Labour Party banner. His candidacy energized millions, particularly youths, birthing the now-famous “Obidient” movement.

With growing speculation about a possible coalition of opposition forces—an idea first floated by Atiku Abubakar in March—there have been whispers that Obi might be considered for a VP slot in such an alliance.

But Bwala believes this would be a misstep.

“Peter Obi would be making the biggest mistake of his life by agreeing to play second fiddle in a coalition,” he warned.

According to him, Obi’s base is not aligned with the idea of him playing a supporting role.

“The entire ‘Obidient’ movement was built around one expectation—that Peter Obi would run for President. The moment he steps down from that ambition, he’ll lose a significant chunk of his support,” Bwala stated.

He also suggested that Obi himself might not be comfortable in such an arrangement, questioning whether it would even sit well with his political instincts.

Bwala further used the platform to laud President Tinubu’s political prowess, suggesting that defeating him in 2027 would be no small feat.

“Let’s be serious,” he said. “This is someone who won an election against all odds. Now that he’s in power, delivering governance, and creating consensus, defeating him will be an uphill battle.”

He also cast doubt on the viability of the proposed opposition coalition, calling it “dead on arrival.”

“If you look closely, you’ll notice key defections—governors and senators aligning with us. Even in states where they claim to have strong structures, people are shifting to Tinubu’s camp,” he added.

Bwala concluded by saying that while Tinubu may not be flawless, his intentions and political influence remain unmatched in today’s Nigerian landscape.

“No politician today has the reach and gravitas of President Tinubu,” he said confidently. “We are not worried.”