By Peace Erewunmi

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has explained why he believes the emergence of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as the party’s presidential candidate could significantly improve the chances of an Igbo becoming President of Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Galadima said Obi’s presidential ambition should not be presented primarily as an ethnic campaign for an Igbo presidency.

He said supporters of the former Labour Party presidential candidate had been advised to focus on presenting Obi as a national candidate capable of appealing to Nigerians across ethnic and regional lines.

According to Galadima, approaching the 2027 presidential contest from a broader national perspective could help address concerns among voters outside the South-East and increase Obi’s chances of securing widespread support.

He argued that an Obi presidency would naturally create an opportunity for an Igbo to occupy the highest political office in the country, but that making ethnicity the central message of the campaign could limit his appeal.

Galadima’s comments come as political parties and opposition figures intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Obi has previously faced debates over whether his political movement should be viewed through an ethnic or national lens. His supporters have consistently argued that his political ambition is based on national development rather than an Igbo agenda.

Galadima’s position therefore appears to emphasise the importance of building a national coalition around Obi rather than relying primarily on regional or ethnic support.

The NDC chieftain’s comments are likely to generate further discussion about regional representation, political alliances and the prospects of an Igbo presidential candidate in the 2027 election.