A prominent pastor, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has stirred controversy with a bold prediction about the 2027 presidential election, asserting that Peter Obi, former Labour Party (LP) candidate, will struggle to secure even 5% of votes in Nigeria’s northern region.
Speaking during a televised programme, Ashimolowo argued that Obi lacks widespread support across the North due to perceived political and regional divides. He noted that the North’s voting patterns have historically favoured candidates and parties with strong grassroots engagement in the area, suggesting that Obi’s appeal may be limited outside his core support base in the South‑East and parts of the South‑South and South‑West.
According to him, political success in the North requires sustained and strategic outreach, deep community connections, and positions that resonate broadly with diverse northern populations. “Based on current trends and historical data, it will be very difficult for Obi to break the 5% mark in the North unless there is a significant shift in political dynamics and alliances,” Ashimolowo stated.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions from political observers and social media users, with some agreeing that Obi’s influence in the North remains weak, while others argue that changing political landscapes could yield unexpected results.
Supporters of Peter Obi have dismissed the claim as speculative, insisting that the LP flagbearer’s message of inclusive governance and youth engagement could attract votes beyond traditional strongholds.
As the 2027 election cycle gains momentum, discussions about regional voting trends and candidate viability continue to dominate public discourse, reflecting the ongoing debates over Nigeria’s complex political terrain.
