A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, Dr. George Agbakahi, has dismissed allegations by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that there are plans to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, describing the claims as baseless, unfortunate and politically motivated.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja over the weekend, Agbakahi said claims of executive interference in the electoral process must be supported with credible and verifiable evidence rather than speculation or political rhetoric.
Reacting to Obi’s allegation of plots to frustrate his presidential ambition, Agbakahi maintained that there is no public evidence linking the Federal Government or the Presidency to any plan aimed at preventing any qualified opposition candidate from participating in the 2027 election.
According to Agbakahi, legal disputes surrounding the registration status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are matters currently before the courts and stem from internal party issues rather than actions by the Federal Government.
He stressed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees judicial independence and provides avenues for dissatisfied parties to seek redress through the appellate courts.
Agbakahi also highlighted the constitutional autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the electoral body is empowered to regulate political parties and conduct elections without interference.
He said political parties are expected to comply with constitutional and legal requirements, adding that regulatory scrutiny is a normal part of democratic governance and should not be viewed as political persecution.
The APC chieftain argued that presidential aspirants must demonstrate strategic planning, institutional readiness and organizational competence in managing their political platforms.
He accused Obi of attempting to frame routine legal and regulatory issues as evidence of a coordinated political attack, insisting that such narratives could distract from internal challenges within his political movement.
Drawing parallels with the 2023 presidential election, Agbakahi noted that while Obi’s campaign enjoyed massive support, the eventual victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was achieved through constitutional electoral processes and upheld by the courts.
He urged Nigerians to critically assess claims of political victimization and demand concrete evidence before accepting them.
Agbakahi further defended Tinubu’s political record, describing him as a seasoned politician who built a formidable national political structure through years of coalition-building, party organization and electoral victories.
He insisted that elections in Nigeria are won through strategy, voter mobilization, persuasion and coalition-building, not conspiracy theories.
According to him, the Federal Government remains focused on governance, including economic reforms, security improvements, infrastructure development and institutional strengthening.
He maintained that the 2027 presidential election remains open to all qualified candidates who meet constitutional and legal requirements, urging political actors to pursue legal disputes through the courts and strengthen their parties through reforms rather than making unverified allegations.
BACKSTORY…
The latest exchange follows concerns raised by Peter Obi over what he described as moves to frustrate opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi had reportedly linked the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and broader political developments to attempts at weakening opposition platforms.
His remarks have since sparked reactions from members of the ruling APC, with party chieftains insisting that the legal issues involving political parties are routine democratic processes and not evidence of political persecution.
The development adds to the growing political tension ahead of 2027, as opposition figures continue to reposition while the ruling party defends the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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