Why APC Declares Peter Obi Politically Finished After Anambra Polling Unit Defeat

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, declaring that he should forget about contesting the 2027 presidency following his reported defeat in his polling unit during the Anambra governorship election.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC said Nigerians cannot entrust their future to a man who, according to them, "failed to command confidence among his own people."

Oladejo wondered how Obi could aspire to lead a nation of over 200 million people when he could not secure victory in his immediate constituency.

"A man who cannot win his polling unit has no business dreaming of winning a country," Oladejo said.

"A man who is rejected on his street cannot claim nationwide acceptance. A man whose strongest base has crumbled cannot sell the lie of a national movement."

The APC spokesperson described Obi's loss as the "final disintegration of the myth" surrounding his supposed popularity, accusing him of seeking foreign sympathy after every political setback.

"We sincerely hope Mr. Obi will not run abroad to beg for foreign intervention to rescue him from this political free fall, as he has done in recent times," Oladejo added. "Nigeria's democracy is not a toy for desperate politicians seeking validation from outsiders after rejection at home."

Oladejo contrasted Obi's political struggles with what he described as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ongoing reforms, noting that while Tinubu is rebuilding institutions and attracting investment, Obi is "hiding behind collapsing hashtags."

"If Peter Obi cannot command trust in his polling unit, he should forget 2027," the statement said.

"The APC's victory in his unit is symbolic, conclusive, and prophetic - a reflection that performance is triumphing over propaganda."

The party urged Obi to "repair the political damage at his doorstep" before aspiring to lead Nigeria, adding that the 2027 election will be decided by performance, not sentiment.