Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy, has claimed that he is certain that Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, will soon leave his current party and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a recent interview with TVC, Bwala made this bold prediction, stating that Peter Obi’s decision to join the APC is inevitable. He went further to say that the Labour Party will soon be empty as several of its prominent members are already making the switch to the APC. “Do you know we are emptying the Labour Party? Not because we are asking them to come, but people are coming. Valentine Ozigbo has joined us, Balami has joined us, and even Peter Obi will join us,” Bwala stated.
Bwala also made it clear that Obi’s departure from the Labour Party was not just a rumor, but something he knew for a fact. He hinted that Obi would not be running for president under the Labour Party in 2027. According to Bwala, Ozigbo, who is closely associated with Obi, had already joined the APC, further confirming that Obi would follow suit. “Valentine Ozigbo is actually the custodian of Peter Obi. So, with him joining the APC, I know for a fact that Peter Obi will also join us,” Bwala added.
This claim by Bwala has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the future of Peter Obi’s political career. Obi, who ran for president under the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has garnered significant support among Nigerians, especially younger voters. His defection to the APC, if it happens, could have far-reaching implications on the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Peter Obi’s possible move to the APC would also mean a significant shift in his political ideology. The Labour Party, known for its focus on the working class and social justice, is seen as a more progressive and left-leaning party compared to the APC, which is often associated with the country’s ruling elite and the establishment. Such a move would raise questions about Obi’s political convictions and his ability to maintain his supporters’ trust.
However, Peter Obi has yet to publicly comment on Bwala’s claims or indicate any intention to leave the Labour Party. His supporters have also remained largely silent on the issue, with many of them expressing disbelief at the suggestion.
El-Rufai’s Defection to the SDP
In the same interview, Bwala also addressed the recent defection of Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai’s departure from the ruling party has been a subject of intense discussion, with many speculating about his reasons for leaving.
Bwala, however, dismissed the move as a temporary situation that would not last long. He argued that the SDP, under the leadership of its current chairman, would soon experience internal conflicts that would render it ineffective. According to Bwala, the SDP would enjoy a brief period of media attention, but this would be followed by infighting over leadership positions.
“You see, after one or two weeks of this mini-dramatic activity — because the way they scheme these things is that every week, you will hear a breaking news story that ‘a gladiator has joined SDP’ — so they will dominate the media space,” Bwala explained. “But by the time the two weeks is over and they are able to enjoy this momentary coverage, when they sit down, they’ll start fighting over who will be president or vice-president.”
Bwala also suggested that El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC and join the SDP was motivated by his desire to have more control over the party. He pointed out that El-Rufai did not move to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) because he would not be able to dictate things there. Instead, El-Rufai chose the SDP because he felt he could have more influence within the party, especially given his personal relationship with the party’s chairman.
“The reason El-Rufai did not go to the PDP is because he can’t dictate things there, but he told the world that the chairman of SDP is his friend. So they went there because they want to dictate,” Bwala said.
El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the SDP has left many wondering about his political future and the future of the SDP. El-Rufai is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, known for his bold statements and controversial policies during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. His move to the SDP has raised questions about whether the party is attempting to position itself as a viable alternative to the APC and the PDP in the upcoming 2027 elections.
However, critics of El-Rufai have expressed doubts about the long-term viability of his new political home. The SDP has struggled to gain significant traction in Nigerian politics, and many observers believe that El-Rufai’s departure from the APC might not be enough to turn the party into a serious challenger to the two dominant political parties.
Political Turmoil Ahead?
Both Bwala’s comments about Peter Obi and the situation surrounding Nasir el-Rufai’s defection suggest that Nigerian politics could be entering a period of uncertainty as the 2027 elections approach. With high-profile politicians switching parties and new political alliances forming, the next few years could see a dramatic shift in the political landscape.
For now, the future remains unclear. Peter Obi’s supporters are waiting for confirmation about whether he will indeed join the APC or stay with the Labour Party. Similarly, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how El-Rufai’s move to the SDP will play out in the coming months. The political dynamics of the country are shifting, and it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the outcome of the next presidential election.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, it is clear that political parties and politicians will be strategizing and positioning themselves for what could be a fiercely contested race. Only time will tell how these shifts will affect the country’s political direction.
