2027: Sowore Attacks Obi Again, Labels Him ‘Packaged Political Fraud’

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has renewed his criticism of Peter Obi, describing the former Labour Party presidential candidate as a “packaged political fraud” amid growing moves by opposition parties to adopt a consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore also accused former Cross River State governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, of allegedly working with former President Olusegun Obasanjo to create confusion around his presidential ambition and promote Obi as the preferred opposition candidate.

He made the allegations in a post on X on Tuesday, following Duke’s declaration that he was willing to support another opposition candidate if political parties agreed on a consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 election.

Sowore claimed that Duke’s earlier remarks about being unaware of his presidential ambition were part of a political plot intended to undermine his candidacy.

“I have long maintained that Peter Obi is a packaged political fraud, and these latest political manoeuvres only ascertain my position,” Sowore wrote.

Reaffirming his determination to contest the election, the AAC candidate declared that he would not abandon his ambition because of what he described as political calculations by established interests.

“I said it then, and I maintain it now! I AM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2027!” he added.

Sowore’s remarks came after Duke announced that he would respect a collective decision by opposition parties to field a consensus candidate, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar or Obi.

Duke made the declaration in Abuja on Tuesday during the unveiling of his running mate, Malam Sule Mohammed, and the PRP manifesto.

Asked whether he would withdraw his presidential ambition in support of a stronger opposition candidate, Duke argued that opposition parties should first agree on a common vision for the country before deciding who would lead the coalition.

“A coalition is not just about picking a presidential candidate. That’s the mistake we’re all making. It’s about us coming together to agree on where we would like to take our nation to,” he said.

The former governor maintained that he would respect any democratic decision reached by opposition parties, stressing that all candidates involved in a coalition must be prepared to abide by its agreed rules.

Duke also raised concerns about what he described as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s overwhelming advantage in campaign visibility, alleging that opposition parties were facing difficulties securing advertising spaces and venues for political activities.

According to him, APC billboards and posters dominate public spaces, while opposition parties struggle to gain similar access to voters.

He claimed that advertising costs in some states could reach as much as ₦1 billion, making nationwide campaigns financially challenging for opposition candidates.

Duke further disclosed that the PRP had postponed its retreat several times because of difficulties securing suitable venues.

He argued that opposition parties must address these challenges and agree on a common political direction rather than concentrate solely on selecting a presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the party was willing to explore options for strengthening opposition unity but ruled out dissolving its structure into another political party.

Baba-Ahmed said the PRP could support one or two opposition candidates considered capable of defeating the APC in 2027, adding that participating in the emerging coalition would not mean surrendering the party’s political identity.