The Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation (IHIF) has called on the committee coordinating efforts among Nigeria’s opposition parties to adopt the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as their consensus candidate for the 2027 general election.
The foundation made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, arguing that Obi possesses the competence, integrity and leadership qualities required to lead the country.
According to the group, Obi’s record in public office, particularly his tenure as governor of Anambra State, demonstrates his capacity for prudent financial management and responsible administration.
The foundation said it had, alongside other organisations in the South-East, endorsed Obi because of what it described as his proven leadership record and commitment to national development.
IHIF maintained that the choice of a consensus candidate would be critical to the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, particularly as several political actors are working towards a broader alliance to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The group argued that opposition parties should prioritise competence, integrity and national interest when deciding on a candidate capable of attracting support across Nigeria.
It also cited Obi’s management of Anambra State as an example of what it described as fiscal responsibility, claiming that he left office after addressing outstanding obligations while maintaining the state’s financial stability.
The foundation urged members of the opposition committee to consider what it called the broader interests of Nigerians rather than allowing individual political ambitions to undermine efforts to build a unified platform ahead of the election.
The call comes amid continuing discussions among opposition politicians and groups over the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
For the opposition, the choice of candidate remains one of the most delicate issues in the coalition-building process, with several prominent political figures already positioning themselves ahead of the election.
IHIF said Nigerians should judge political candidates primarily on their records, competence and vision for the country rather than ethnic or sectional considerations.
The group expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve a more productive and prosperous future if voters and political parties placed national development above personal and regional interests.
With political alignments expected to intensify as the 2027 election approaches, the foundation’s endorsement adds to the growing debate over whether opposition parties can overcome competing ambitions and agree on a single candidate capable of mounting a serious challenge to the ruling party.
