The National Democratic Congress has said it expects its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to defeat President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State in the 2027 presidential election, projecting a larger margin than Obi recorded in the state in 2023.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said Obi’s victory over Tinubu in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election was not unexpected, arguing that the result reflected the political atmosphere in the state.
Speaking with our correspondent on Friday about the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, Director said, “Obi didn’t win Lagos by magic. It was a political reality. The people overwhelmingly rejected APC and their former governor who was the presidential candidate of the party.
“In 2027, if there is a free and fair election without voter intimidation, Peter Obi will win, defeat President Bola Tinubu and the APC again by a wider margin in Lagos. You can take that to the bank.”
On whether voter intimidation and violence could affect the election’s outcome, Director said the NDC was ready to respond to any such developments.
“That is why we are saying if they are sure of themselves, let us go head-to-head without the introduction of violence, inducement or irregularities. After all, they claimed to be master strategists. How can you be a master strategist but still deploy violence, corruption, intimidating people and inducing voters?
“Allow a free and fair election, let’s see your strategy. We are going to beat them hands down with a wider margin in 2027 and we are prepared for their violence.
“We are going to counter everything they bring on. We are going to counter them. No two elections are the same. We have learned from the lessons of 2023,” he stated.
The NDC candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District, Ladipo Johnson, also expressed confidence in Obi’s prospects, attributing the expected result to what he described as the poor performance of the Tinubu administration.
He said, “I make bold to say, by God’s grace because I’m not being boastful, that Obi will win Lagos again. This time, it will be with a much wider margin.
“The last time, we believed Obi won it by a wider gap. But of course, we don’t have agents everywhere and the votes were manipulated.
“This time, we’re stronger with the additional strength of others. Of course, I’m part of the others here because I came from the Kwankwasiyya Movement. We’re stronger together and we will ensure that the votes of the people of each state count.”
Johnson, however, said the opposition would have to contend with issues including voter intimidation, harassment and vote buying during the 2027 election.
He said, “The only things we have to work against, and it is a shame that we are saying this, is the intimidation and harassment of voters. And of course, there will be inducements. They will try to buy the votes as well. We know all these things.
“After all, we even recently heard the famous quote of Mr President and APC presidential candidates that all is fair in politics. If you hear such things coming from the man at the top, there is no way you can imagine the supporters will come to the field and not try to cheat.
“Nowadays, when you put up opposition banners, they will send thugs to destroy them. I don’t understand how somebody will have up to 35 governors and still be afraid. If you have truly worked for the people, there is no reason to be so defensive and scared. Again, our people must learn to reject this idea of stomach infrastructure.”
In the 2023 presidential election, Obi defeated Tinubu in Lagos State, securing the highest number of votes in nine of the state’s 20 local government areas.
According to results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Obi polled 582,454 votes, narrowly ahead of Tinubu, who received 572,606 votes.
Obi recorded victories in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Ojo and Alimosho.
Tinubu, on the other hand, won in Agege, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin and Surulere.
The Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, received 75,750 votes, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, polled 8,442 votes in Lagos State.