Sly Ezeokenwa argues that the South-East needs broader political alliances to improve its prospects of securing the presidency.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has argued that Peter Obi has no viable path to victory in the 2027 presidential election, urging political stakeholders in the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Ezeokenwa made the remarks during an interview on ARISE News’ The Morning Show on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
He argued that political isolation had not served the interests of the South-East and that broader alliances with other regions would be necessary for the area to improve its prospects of producing a future president.
According to Ezeokenwa, APGA believes aligning with the incumbent administration would offer the region a more strategic route to influence national politics.
He maintained that the constitutional requirements for winning a presidential election make it difficult for any candidate to succeed without building support across a broad range of states and political constituencies.
Ezeokenwa also defended APGA’s approach of maintaining working relationships with the party in power, describing political alliances as an established feature of Nigeria’s multiparty system.
He cited the party’s existing relationship with the Tinubu administration as part of its broader political strategy.
Political calculations ahead of 2027
Ezeokenwa’s comments add to the growing debate over regional representation, coalition-building and the electoral prospects of opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
His assessment of Obi’s chances is a political opinion rather than an established electoral outcome. The eventual result will depend on candidate selection, party organisation, voter turnout, campaign performance and the choices made by Nigerians at the ballot box.
The argument also reflects competing views within the South-East over how best to pursue the region’s political interests.
Some political actors may prioritise backing a major national coalition, while others may prefer to support an opposition candidate or pursue a different alliance.
As the election approaches, the debate is likely to intensify over whether regional interests are best served through alignment with the incumbent government or by supporting a candidate seeking to replace it.