Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has said the number of governors supporting President Bola Tinubu will not decide the outcome of the 2027 election.

The former Anambra State governor stated in an interview on Nooire TV that political power comes from the people and not just from elected leaders.

He said his performance in the 2023 presidential election showed that a candidate can win states even without the backing of governors.

The former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate recalled that he secured victory in 12 states during the last presidential election and claimed that the number could have been higher if not for what he described as problems during the voting process.

The NDC candidate also spoke about the growing support around President Tinubu ahead of the next election, saying political alliances among governors should not be seen as the main factor that will determine who wins.

According to Obi, the major issue in the 2027 election should be the condition of Nigerians and how leaders plan to improve the lives of citizens.

He said the country’s challenges, including hunger, poor education, and healthcare problems, should receive more attention than political arrangements among powerful individuals.

He said: “It doesn’t matter whether 36 governors are with the president. I didn’t have one governor in the last election, and I won 12 states. Even after they have taken two from me, I won 12 states. By making Abuja a state, we now have 37 states, because that is what the judgment of the Supreme Court showed. Rabiu Kwankwaso won one state, Kano. APC, PDP, and Labour all won 12 states each.

“It doesn’t matter whether they took all the governors, I’ll still win. What is important is how to make Nigeria work for the poor. A Nigeria where tribe, ethnicity, and religion will not be the issue. The issue will be about the welfare of the people, the education of the people, and the health of the people. Nigerians are hungry today. Nigerians are looking for food.”