Peter Obi: A Better Option for Nigerians in 2027
By Tochukwu Ezeoke
As Nigeria inches closer to another decisive election in 2027, the political terrain is already taking shape with familiar names resurfacing. Among them are former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
While every Nigerian is entitled to aspire to lead, the real question is: who offers the country a credible path out of its present quagmire of insecurity, corruption, economic stagnation, and fractured unity? To my mind, Peter Obi stands out clearly as the better option when placed side by side with Jonathan and Amaechi.
Goodluck Jonathan: A Return to the Past
Goodluck Jonathan’s administration (2010–2015) left many lessons, but not enough progress. Under his watch, insecurity metastasized, with Boko Haram reaching unprecedented levels of terror. Billions of dollars in oil revenue went unaccounted for, and Nigeria’s reserves—despite high oil prices—were squandered without lasting infrastructure to show for it.
Jonathan has already had his chance at leadership, serving one full term after completing the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure. Constitutionally, he could still contest again, but Nigerians must ask: to what end? Returning Jonathan to power would be recycling old failures. His time in office did not transform Nigeria’s fortunes, and nostalgia should not be mistaken for a plan.
Rotimi Amaechi: The Politics of Noise Without Substance
Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, presents another weak option. Amaechi has built a career on loud rhetoric and political maneuvering but little substance. His stewardship of the transportation sector, despite huge loans from China, left Nigeria with poorly executed rail projects and mounting debt.
Amaechi’s legacy in Rivers State is also mired in accusations of corruption and political thuggery. Nigerians must not confuse political showmanship with real governance capacity. He is not the man to rescue Nigeria from its current abyss.
Why Peter Obi Is Different
Peter Obi remains the candidate with the clearest edge, not because he is a saint, but because he represents a refreshing break from the old order. His track record as Governor of Anambra State demonstrated fiscal prudence, accountability, and investment in human capital. He left behind savings, unlike most governors who leave debts.
Crucially, Obi has promised Nigerians that he would serve only a single term if given the chance to lead. This commitment, if kept, provides an opportunity for Nigerians to test a model of focused, no-second-term-governance—where the leader works without the distraction of reelection campaigns. It’s a direct contrast to the “sit-tight” mentality that has plagued our democracy.
Moreover, Obi speaks to the issues that matter: productivity, cutting waste, investing in youth, and building from the bottom-up. His 2023 campaign energized young people and middle-class Nigerians in a way no politician in recent memory has done. That kind of civic awakening should not be wasted.
Nigeria’s Future Must Not Be Mortgaged to the Past
Bringing back Jonathan would be like asking Nigeria to rewatch an old movie that ended badly. Trusting Amaechi with the presidency would be gambling on a politician who has mastered the politics of division rather than nation-building. Nigerians deserve better—and Peter Obi, despite imperfections, offers the clearest departure from recycled politicians who think leadership is a birthright.
2027 is not just another election year; it is another chance to rescue Nigeria from decline. The choice before us is between reliving old failures or embracing a future that prioritizes competence, accountability, and genuine service.
Nigeria has no more time to waste. Peter Obi is the better.
Ezeoke writes from Abuja.
