A former supporter of Peter Obi, James Kitiya, has said the former Anambra State governor does not stand a realistic chance in the 2027 presidential election, stressing that he should no longer be seen as a serious contender.
Kitiya, who recently dumped the Labour Party for the All Progressives Congress, made this known during an appearance on Vanguard’s podcast, The Nigerian Meter. He explained why he left the Obidient movement and decided to throw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Don’t call Peter Obi a candidate, he’s going nowhere in 2027,” Kitiya said, insisting that the strong momentum that once drove Obi’s support base has faded since the 2023 elections.
According to him, many of Obi’s supporters, especially those in the diaspora, do not have the grassroots structure needed to influence election results. He added that the unity and confidence that defined the Obidient movement before the last election are no longer there.
“Most of these people, especially those abroad, don’t even have voter cards, and they can’t mobilise people on ground,” he said. “Before the 2023 election, if you look at how we Obidients spoke, there was confidence because the connection was strong. That connection is no longer there.”
Kitiya also claimed that even within the movement, some loyal supporters privately admit that things have changed.
“If I put two Obidients on speaker now, they will tell you the real situation,” he added.
He confirmed that he officially joined the APC in February 2026 in Adamawa State, pointing to what he described as visible performance and infrastructure development under Tinubu’s administration as part of his reason for switching sides.
He cited ongoing projects like the coastal road around Eko Atlantic as clear signs of progress, although he admitted that many Nigerians are still battling with economic hardship.
According to him, while the government’s policies are commendable, more effort should be made to ease the rising cost of living.
Kitiya also took a swipe at some Obidient supporters, accusing them of resorting to insults and online attacks instead of engaging in meaningful discussions. However, he advised them to continue supporting their candidate peacefully.
Despite his criticism, he described Obi as “a good man,” but maintained that, from a political standpoint, he no longer sees any clear path for him ahead of the 2027 election.