Obi’s 2023 Rhetoric Won’t Work in 2027, Says Senator Olujimi

Senator Biodun Olujimi has stated that the political messaging used by Labour Party’s Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election will not be effective in the 2027 polls. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Senate Minority Leader argued that Obi’s earlier campaign strategy, which appealed largely to emotions and sentiments of change, will no longer resonate in the same way with the electorate. According to Olujimi, Obi’s position as a political outsider in 2023 gave him an advantage in crafting a unique message, but now that he has become a known political figure, he must develop a more refined and realistic approach. She noted that contesting against an incumbent like President Bola Tinubu will require more than emotional appeal. “The rhetoric that Peter Obi used in 2023 is not going to work in 2027. That was the rhetoric of a newcomer. Now, he must find a different approach. Running against an incumbent president is always an uphill task,” she said. She described President Tinubu as a deeply experienced and strategic politician, adding that his long-standing presence and influence in Nigeria’s political space makes him a formidable opponent. “He knows his onions. He has been a senator, a governor, and the national leader of a party. He’s not someone you can easily push aside in an election,” she added. Senator Olujimi also addressed her recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the APC under Tinubu’s leadership has changed significantly and is now more pragmatic and inclusive. She stated that her decision was based on the party’s current direction and leadership style. “The APC of today is not the APC of yesterday. This is a different political structure under a different leadership, and I believe it’s the best platform to work with at this time,” she explained. On the viability of other opposition parties, Olujimi dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as lacking the grassroots structure necessary to compete effectively, particularly in states like Ekiti. As political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, Olujimi’s remarks reflect the growing belief among political observers that opposition leaders like Obi must adjust their strategies if they hope to challenge the strength of incumbency.