2027: Sowunmi Labels Peter Obi “Master of Empty Campaign”

Segun Sowunmi, convener of the Alternative Movement, has dismissed the 2027 presidential campaign of Nigeria Democratic Congress (ND) candidate Peter Obi as lacking substance, describing him as a “master of empty campaign.”

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Sowunmi argued that Obi’s political appeal rests largely on calls for equity for the South-East, which has yet to produce a president in the current republic.

“For all of this filibustering, jumping here, jumping there, the greatest thing you can bring to the table emotionally is the need for us to do equity for the South-East,” he said.

He questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, noting that claims of leaving no debts have been disputed by his successors. Sowunmi also criticized Obi’s campaign proposals, particularly his pledge to move Nigeria from consumption to production, saying the plan lacked clear details on implementation, funding, and timelines.

“Peter is a master of campaigning on a prose that he doesn’t even know how to construct,” Sowunmi remarked, adding that promises must account for constitutional and institutional realities such as the National Assembly and civil service.

Sowunmi further challenged Obi’s arguments about agricultural expansion in Niger State, asking how incentives would be provided and farmers persuaded to operate at scale.

His comments come as Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and other opposition figures intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Sowunmi, who has previously offered mixed assessments of Obi’s prospects, has more recently voiced support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.