Lagos: In a bid to rally support behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration, former Lagos lawmaker Jude Idimogu has urged Nigerians to temper expectations, arguing that two years is practically insufficient to reverse decades of systemic challenges, therefore urging Mr Peter Obi to support President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.
Idimogu, Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, made the call during an interview on Sunday in Lagos.
He said it would be challenging for Obi to defeat Tinubu on any political platform in the next presidential election.
Idimogu backed a recent call by the Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo urging Obi to drop his 2027 ambition and support Tinubu.
“I strongly agree with the appeal to Obi. He should support Tinubu as both leaders are from the South,” he said.
The ex-lawmaker added that Obi’s ambition would only divide Southern votes again and weaken the region’s chances in the 2027 election.
He urged all prominent Southern politicians to rally behind Tinubu and work hard to ensure his victory in 2027.
“This is the South’s turn. Let’s not allow another Southern candidate to disrupt the zoning and help Northern interests,” he stressed.
Drawing comparisons to past leadership tenures, Idimogu maintains that unity among Southern politicians is vital if meaningful progress is to be sustained through 2027.
He compared the situation to Buhari’s eight-year presidency, during which northerners united behind their candidate despite widespread public dissatisfaction.
“Tinubu deserves full support. He cannot undo Nigeria’s problems in two years. With unity, progress is possible,” he stated.
He said a united Southern backing for Tinubu would guarantee a fair outcome and preserve the region’s hold on power.
While acknowledging Obi’s right to run, Idimogu urged Igbo leaders to prioritise regional interest and back Tinubu’s second term.
He appealed to Northern politicians to also support Tinubu in completing a Southern presidency, thereby promoting equity and national stability.
According to him, constructive criticism and alternative solutions from the opposition are welcome, but unity must take precedence over all else.
“Neither PDP nor ADC has a candidate strong enough to unseat Tinubu,” Idimogu maintained.
