2027 Poll: Peter Obi Can Win If INEC Conducts a Free and Fair Election —SAN

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

Human rights activist and respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Ben Chudi Uzuegbu, has said that the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, stands a strong chance of winning the 2027 general election if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.
Chief Uzuegbu made the assertion while fielding questions from journalists in his office.
According to him, the outcome of the 2027 presidential election would largely depend on the integrity of the electoral process and the willingness of electoral authorities to allow the people’s votes to count.
“If Nigerians are allowed to vote according to their wishes and aspirations, Peter Obi has a great chance of emerging victorious in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.
Uzuegbu noted that Obi’s recent political alliance with former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has significantly strengthened his electoral prospects, particularly in northern Nigeria. He also referenced reports that Obi had assured northern stakeholders that he would serve only one term if elected president.
“Obi’s strategy is superb and politically astute,” “However, my concern is that I do not see any indication that the system is preparing for 2027 in a manner different from what Nigerians witnessed in 2023. I am not convinced that INEC will conduct a truly free and fair election.”Uzuegbu stated.
He expressed concern that electoral manipulation and interference could undermine the wishes of the electorate, even if Nigerians vote overwhelmingly for their preferred candidates.
The prominent lawyer further observed that many Nigerians are frustrated by the current state of affairs in the country.
“Nigerians are hungry and tired of maladministration. The level of economic hardship is unprecedented, while insecurity has overwhelmed many parts of the country,” he said.
Reacting to suggestions that the Obidient Movement might abandon Obi ahead of the 2027 election, Uzuegbu dismissed such claims as unfounded.
“The Obidient Movement will continue to support Peter Obi. The only exceptions may be a few governors and political office holders from the South-East who have chosen a different political path, but they remain a minority and do not represent the movement,” he said.
Speaking on the allegations recently made against Obi by former presidential campaign spokesperson and actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, Uzuegbu maintained that Okonkwo had failed to provide any credible evidence to support his claims.
“Kenneth Okonkwo has put himself in a difficult position. All he has been saying is, ‘Obi did this, Obi did that,’ yet he has not produced a single piece of evidence to substantiate any of his allegations. In fact, it is Obi who may have enough evidence to challenge and expose him,” Uzuegbu said.
He questioned Okonkwo’s authority and credibility in making allegations against the former Anambra State governor.
“When Peter Obi was serving as Governor of Anambra State, Kenneth Okonkwo was focused on his acting career and personal affairs. Therefore, one must ask what firsthand knowledge he possesses that would enable him to make such serious allegations against Obi,” he stated.
Uzuegbu argued that most of the allegations being circulated by Okonkwo are matters already known to the public and subject to public scrutiny.
“The public is capable of distinguishing between truth and falsehood. Where false allegations are made with the intention of damaging a person’s reputation, the courts are available to determine the facts. If the allegations are proven to be defamatory, the court will not hesitate to award substantial damages against the offender,” he said.
The senior lawyer further alleged that Okonkwo’s previous support for Obi was driven by personal expectations rather than genuine conviction.
“Kenneth Okonkwo praised Peter Obi in the same manner he once praised former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. He did so with the expectation that he would benefit financially or politically. When those expectations were not met, his position changed,” Uzuegbu claimed.