Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Simon Okeke, has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to support Peter Obi as the presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Okeke acknowledged that Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, is not without flaws but maintained that he remains the most nationally accepted aspirant in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Being human, it should be expected. No one is perfect. Nonetheless, among all the presidential aspirants today, he is the most acceptable nationwide,” Okeke said.
He went further to argue that no candidate in Nigeria’s political history has enjoyed such broad-based national acceptance, including the late nationalist leader, Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Okeke urged Atiku to reciprocate the support he has historically received from the South-East by stepping aside in 2027 and backing Obi’s candidacy, noting that political convention favours a southern presidency in the next election cycle.
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“One would expect that the 2027 contest will give Alhaji Atiku a good opportunity to reciprocate the same support he has progressively received from the South East by not only withdrawing from the contest but also throwing his weight behind Peter Obi,” he stated.
He warned that failure to do so could undermine perceptions of Atiku as a longstanding ally of the South-East.
The former PSC chairman also appealed to voters in the North and South-West to support Obi, citing the need for equity, justice, and national cohesion.
According to him, an Obi presidency could help foster unity and address lingering historical tensions, including those linked to the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.
The call adds to growing political conversations and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as key stakeholders continue consultations across party lines.