“We Have 28 Governors; Peter Obi Has Lost Total Control of the South East” — APC Chieftain Biodun Ajiboye Claims
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Ajiboye, has stirred political controversy after declaring that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has “lost total control” of the South East.
Ajiboye made the comments while discussing the current political landscape and the APC’s expanding influence across Nigeria.
Speaking during a recent media engagement, Ajiboye emphasized that the APC’s dominance—highlighted by what he described as control of 28 sitting governors—demonstrates that opposition parties lack the structure and reach required to challenge the ruling party in upcoming elections.
Ajiboye argued that the ruling party’s political machinery remains firmly rooted nationwide, including in regions where opposition candidates previously enjoyed overwhelming support.
“We now have 28 governors. That alone tells you the direction Nigerians are going,” he said.
According to him, the APC has continued to consolidate its presence, while the Labour Party has struggled to maintain the momentum it gained during the 2023 elections.
Ajiboye further claimed that Peter Obi, who enjoyed sweeping support in the South East during the last presidential election, no longer holds the political influence many believe he once did.
He alleged that shifting alliances, governance realities, and what he described as “voter reassessment” have weakened Obi’s hold on his home region.
“Peter Obi has lost total control of the South East. The earlier people accept it, the better,” Ajiboye asserted, though he did not provide detailed evidence to support his claim.
Ajiboye’s comments have triggered intense debate across social media and political circles.
Supporters of Peter Obi dismissed the APC chieftain’s remarks as “wishful thinking,” arguing that the Labour Party remains the preferred choice for many young and urban voters in the South East and beyond.
Political analysts say Ajiboye’s comments reflect the escalating war of words ahead of the 2027 election cycle, with parties trying to position themselves early and shape public perception.
As of the time of reporting, Peter Obi has not issued a direct response to Ajiboye’s assertions.
However, several Labour Party officials have countered similar narratives in recent weeks, insisting that Obi’s support base in the South East remains solid.
Experts argue that the political climate in the South East remains fluid, with voter sentiment shaped by economic challenges, security concerns, and party performance.
While some agree that the APC has made recent inroads, others believe it is premature to conclude that Obi’s influence has significantly diminished.
They note that the region has historically favored candidates with strong personal credibility rather than strict party loyalty.
Ajiboye’s comments also come as the APC continues internal restructuring and strategic recruitment of political figures ahead of future elections.
Party leaders have stressed the importance of strengthening grassroots structures across all geopolitical zones.
With the next general elections still years away, observers expect more politically charged statements as parties jostle for relevance and seek to shape public narratives early.
For now, Ajiboye’s bold claim has added fuel to ongoing political discussions, setting the stage for heightened tensions as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve.
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