The National Democratic Congress has voiced its confidence that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will overcome President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State in the 2027 presidential election, forecasting a larger margin than what was seen in 2023.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said Obi’s win over Tinubu in Lagos in the 2023 presidential poll was no accident, noting that it mirrored the political sentiment of the state.
In a Friday conversation with our correspondent about the party’s plans for the 2027 general elections, the director said, “Obi didn’t win Lagos by magic. It was a political reality. The people overwhelmingly rejected APC and their former governor, who was the presidential candidate of the party.
“In 2027, if there is a free and fair election without voter intimidation, Peter Obi will win, defeat President Bola Tinubu, and the APC will win again by a wider margin in Lagos. You can take that to the bank.”
When asked if the party was worried that voter intimidation and violence might influence the election’s outcome, the director pointed out that the NDC was ready to face any such challenge.
“That is why we are saying if they are sure of themselves, let us go head-to-head without the introduction of violence, inducement, or irregularities. After all, they claimed to be master strategists. How can you be a master strategist but still deploy violence, corruption, intimidate people, and induce voters?
“Allow a free and fair election; let’s see your strategy. We are going to beat them hands down with a wider margin in 2027, and we are prepared for their violence.
“We are going to counter everything they bring on. We are going to counter them. No two elections are the same. We have learned from the lessons of 2023,” he stated.
Ladipo Johnson, the NDC candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District, also spoke, crediting the expected win to what he called the Tinubu administration’s poor performance.
He said, “I make bold to say, by God’s grace, because I’m not being boastful, that Obi will win Lagos again. This time, it will be with a much wider margin.
“The last time, we believed Obi won it by a wider gap. But of course, we don’t have agents everywhere, and the votes were manipulated.
“This time, we’re stronger with the additional strength of others. Of course, I’m part of the others here because I came from the Kwankwasiyya Movement. We’re stronger together, and we will ensure that the votes of the people of each state count.”
Johnson, though, pointed to voter intimidation, harassment, and vote buying as a few of the hurdles the opposition would need to grapple with in the 2027 election.
He said, “The only thing we have to work against, and it is a shame that we are saying this, is the intimidation and harassment of voters. And of course, there will be inducements. They will try to buy the votes as well. We know all these things.
“After all, we even recently heard the famous quote of Mr. President and APC presidential candidates that all is fair in politics. If you hear such things coming from the man at the top, there is no way you can imagine the supporters will come to the field and not try to cheat.
“Nowadays, when you put up opposition banners, they will send thugs to destroy them. I don’t understand how somebody will have up to 35 governors and still be afraid. If you have truly worked for the people, there is no reason to be so defensive and scared. Again, our people must learn to reject this idea of stomach infrastructure.”
In the 2023 election, Obi beat Tinubu in Lagos State, taking nine of the state’s 20 local government areas.
According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the former Labour Party presidential candidate garnered 582,454 votes to narrowly defeat Tinubu, who got 572,606 votes.
Obi won in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Ojo, and Alimosho.
Tinubu claimed victory in Agege, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, and Surulere.
The PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, got 75,750 votes, while the NNPP candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, garnered 8,442 votes in the state.
