2027: Sowore Takes Fresh Dig At Obi, Calls Him ‘Packaged Political Fraud’

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has renewed his criticism of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing him as a “packaged political fraud” amid moves by opposition parties to consider a consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore accused former Cross River State governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, Donald Duke, of allegedly working with former President Olusegun Obasanjo to create confusion around his presidential ambition and pave the way for Obi to emerge as the preferred opposition candidate.

He made the allegations in a post on X on Tuesday, following Duke’s declaration that he was willing to support another opposition candidate if political parties reached a consensus ahead of the 2027 election.

Sowore claimed that Duke’s earlier comments about being unaware of his presidential ambition were part of a political arrangement aimed at undermining his candidacy.

“I have long maintained that Peter Obi is a packaged political fraud, and these latest political manoeuvres only ascertain my position,” he wrote.

The AAC candidate insisted that he remained in the presidential race, declaring that he would not allow what he described as establishment political calculations to undermine his ambition.

“I said it then, and I maintain it now! I AM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2027!” he stated.

Sowore’s comments followed Duke’s announcement on Tuesday that he would respect a collective decision by opposition parties to adopt a consensus presidential candidate, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar or Obi.

Duke made the declaration in Abuja during the unveiling of his running mate, Malam Sule Mohammed, and the PRP manifesto.

Responding to whether he would withdraw his ambition for a stronger opposition candidate, the PRP presidential candidate said a coalition should first establish a common vision for Nigeria before deciding who would lead it.

He said, “A coalition is not just about picking a presidential candidate. That’s the mistake we’re all making. It’s about us coming together to agree on where we would like to take our nation to.”

Duke added that he would respect any democratic decision reached by the opposition parties, insisting that candidates must be willing to abide by the rules of a coalition.

He also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of enjoying an overwhelming advantage in campaign visibility, alleging that opposition parties were struggling to secure advertising spaces and venues for political activities.

According to him, APC billboards and posters dominate public spaces across the country, while opposition parties face difficulties reaching voters.

Duke claimed that advertising in some states could cost as much as N1 billion, making nationwide campaigns financially demanding for opposition candidates.

He also disclosed that the PRP had postponed its retreat several times because of difficulties securing venues.

The former governor said opposition parties must address these challenges and agree on a shared political direction rather than focus solely on selecting a presidential candidate.

On his part, the PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the party would consider options for strengthening opposition unity but ruled out collapsing its structure into another political party.

Baba-Ahmed said the PRP was prepared to support one or two opposition candidates capable of defeating the APC in 2027, stressing that the party’s participation in the emerging coalition did not mean abandoning its political identity.