APC attacks on Obi fueled by his growing nationwide support, acceptance — NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has attributed what it described as attacks on its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its supporters to his growing support and acceptance among Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the claim in an interview, alleging that the APC was increasingly concerned about Obi’s political standing as the 2027 elections approach.

Director said the alleged attacks were driven by what he described as the growing acceptance of Obi among Nigerian voters, adding that the ultimate decision on who would lead the country remained with the electorate.

According to him, “The APC and its hirelings are attacking our presidential candidate, His Excellency, Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, because they know that Peter Obi is the best, the brightest and the most preferred candidate by the Nigerian electorate.”

“At the end of the day, it is down to Nigerians to decide who leads them, and it is obvious from their body language, from their expression, from their love so far, that Peter Obi is the preferred candidate,” he added.

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The NDC spokesman alleged that the APC was becoming desperate ahead of the 2027 election, claiming that the party was doing everything within its power to undermine Obi.

Director, however, expressed confidence that voters would determine the outcome of the election, saying the NDC believed “the will of Nigerians will triumph.”

The NDC spokesman also criticised the decision by Abayomi Arabambi to seek the release of Obi’s academic records from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He described the move as potentially amounting to an abuse of court process, while arguing that academic records were subject to legal protections, including provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Director said Obi had nevertheless demonstrated openness on the matter by indicating that he had no objection to the release of his academic records.

“Peter Obi in his usual openness has said that he is right, let them give him his academic records,” he said.

He also questioned the position of an individual described as a member of the Labour Party’s National Working Committee, who reportedly claimed not to have, or know about, Obi’s academic records and certificate.

According to Director, Obi’s political history and previous electoral contests made the claim difficult to understand.

He noted that Obi had contested the Anambra State governorship election, served as governor, contested as a vice-presidential candidate and later ran for president in the 2023 election on the platform of the Labour Party.

“It is even a thing of disgrace and amusement for a man claimed to be a member of the National Working Committee of the Labour Party to say that he does not have or know about the academic record and certificate of Obi,” Director said.

He added that such a position would raise questions about whether the individual had properly carried out his responsibilities within the party.

On the 2027 campaign, Director said the NDC would soon release the composition of its Presidential Campaign Council as consultations among party leaders and stakeholders continued.

He said the party was deliberately taking its time to ensure that all relevant stakeholders were carried along before formally commencing its campaign activities.

“The list of the Presidential Campaign Council will be released soon because all the parties and stakeholders are meeting,” he said.

Director said the NDC would not allow itself to be pressured into launching its campaign before completing its internal consultations.

“We are not going to be stampeded to start campaigning when we have not consulted with every stakeholder, and that’s why we want to make sure that every one of us is on the same page,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that the party would soon begin its campaign activities and pledged that the NDC would focus on issues rather than personal attacks.

“But very soon, we’ll be on the campaign trail, and we assure Nigerians we are going to run an issue-based campaign,” he said.