Leaders of Nigeria’s major regional socio-political organisations have renewed calls for a national dialogue to address the country’s political, economic and governance challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Representatives of Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Middle Belt Forum and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) met in Abuja to deliberate on issues affecting national unity, democracy and development.
The meeting, held at PANDEF’s Abuja Liaison Office, brought together prominent figures, including former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah, former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States Godknows Igali and Middle Belt Forum leader Bitrus Pogu.
Presenting the communiqué at the end of the meeting, Chairman of the forum and Afenifere leader, Oladipo Olaitan, said the groups had resolved to sustain consultations and promote a national conversation aimed at addressing the country’s deepening challenges.
The regional leaders expressed concern over Nigeria’s current trajectory, arguing that the country’s problems require broader consultation, collective action and a political system that ensures all parts of the federation have a meaningful stake in governance.
They maintained that lasting solutions would require fundamental reforms and greater national consensus.
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed suggestions that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi poses a major political challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an appearance on TVC News’ Beyond the Headlines programme, the senator representing Edo North said Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election was largely driven by public dissatisfaction with the economic policies of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Responding to a question on whether the APC was underestimating Obi’s political influence, particularly after his victory in Lagos State and strong performance in the South-East during the 2023 election, Oshiomhole argued that the outcome reflected an “unusual situation” rather than Obi’s personal political strength.
According to the former Edo State governor, widespread frustration caused by the cash shortage resulting from the naira redesign policy, as well as fuel scarcity in the run-up to the election, fuelled voter discontent and contributed to Obi’s electoral gains.
He said many Nigerians were angered by their inability to access funds in their bank accounts despite having money deposited, creating a political environment that favoured opposition candidates.
