A chieftain of the National Democratic Congress, Victor Umeh, has said supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are not disturbed by speculation surrounding a possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the 2027 presidential race.

Umeh made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, where he dismissed suggestions that Jonathan’s potential candidacy could weaken Obi’s growing political support base.

He said Obi and Jonathan maintain separate political constituencies and insisted that Obi’s popularity has continued to rise since the 2023 general election.

According to him, Obi’s support base remains strong enough to compete effectively in the 2027 elections, adding that it is capable of securing victory.

Umeh also claimed that Obi had previously engaged Jonathan in discussions about his political plans before reports of a possible return to the presidential race emerged.

He added that Jonathan, if he chooses to run, is constitutionally entitled to do so, but maintained that such a decision would not reduce Obi’s influence or following.

The senator further argued that Obi’s supporters were not declining but increasing in number across the country.

On Obi’s pledge to serve only one term if elected president, Umeh defended the position, saying a focused leadership could achieve meaningful national reforms within four years.

He said a committed administration would be able to reset governance priorities, restore trust in public institutions and place the country on a stronger developmental path.

Umeh also described Obi as a highly disciplined and prudent administrator, referencing his tenure as Governor of Anambra State as an example of his governance style.

He, however, noted that internal disputes within the Labour Party had created instability, alleging that some actors were working with external political interests to weaken the opposition.

Umeh further stated that his political group moved to the NDC after losing confidence in the Labour Party’s internal structure and dispute resolution mechanisms.

He dismissed claims that the NDC is centered around a single individual, insisting instead that the party’s renewed relevance is due to the participation of key political figures, including Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.