According to a report by Vanguard News, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, James Kitiya, a former supporter of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed strong doubts about Obi’s political prospects ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that the former Anambra State governor should no longer be viewed as a serious contender.
Kitiya argued that Obi’s chances of mounting a successful bid have significantly diminished, insisting that the political strength and enthusiasm that once defined his movement have faded since the last election cycle.
The momentum that propelled Obi’s candidacy in 2023 has weakened to the point where it no longer poses a major challenge in future elections.
He further explained that a key limitation within Obi’s support base lies in the lack of a solid grassroots structure, particularly among supporters living outside Nigeria.
According to Kitiya, many of these individuals, especially those in the diaspora, do not possess voter cards and therefore cannot actively participate in the electoral process or mobilise voters at the community level.
He noted that the strong sense of unity and confidence that once characterised the Obidient movement prior to the 2023 election has since declined, with the connection among supporters no longer as strong as it used to be.
Kitiya also suggested that even within the movement, there is an unspoken acknowledgement of this decline in momentum.
He implied that loyalists may privately share similar concerns about the current state of the movement, despite maintaining public support.
“If I call two Obidients and place them on speaker, they will tell you their truths,” he added.
Speaking further, Kitiya confirmed that he officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in February 2026 while in Adamawa State.
He attributed his decision to what he described as the visible achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the area of infrastructure development.
He referenced ongoing projects such as the coastal road near Eko Atlantic, which he said he has personally observed, as clear indications that the government is actively working on national development.
While commending these efforts, Kitiya did not ignore the economic realities faced by Nigerians. He acknowledged that many citizens are currently grappling with rising living costs and financial strain.
According to him, although the administration’s policies show promise, there is still an urgent need for greater focus on easing the economic burden on the population.
Kitiya criticised the approach adopted by some supporters of Obi, accusing them of engaging in verbal attacks and online hostility rather than promoting constructive, issue-based discussions.
Despite this criticism, he encouraged them to continue expressing their political preferences peacefully and within acceptable boundaries.
Although he maintained a level of personal respect for Peter Obi, describing him as a “good man”, Kitiya reiterated his position that, from a political standpoint, he does not see a viable path forward for Obi as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.