The Igbo community living in Edo and Delta States has promised to give strong support to Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election. This promise came after an alleged threat made by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against Obi. According to the Igbo Unity Forum, the governor’s comment during Obi’s recent visit to Benin City triggered a new wave of support.

Chief Ekene Okpara, who leads the Igbo Unity Forum, explained that the governor’s alleged statement was disrespectful and that it has only made the group more determined to stand behind Obi. He also said that the country’s current economic struggles under the APC-led government have pushed many Nigerians to seek a better option, and they believe Obi is that option.

Okpara stated that life has become extremely hard for Nigerians, and this hardship is one of the main reasons the group is backing Obi. To show their support, the forum has started a campaign aimed at gathering at least five million votes for Obi, no matter which political party he decides to join in the 2027 election.

He recalled that Governor Okpebholo allegedly insisted that Peter Obi should always inform him before coming to Edo State. Okpara said that this remark was unnecessary and has only strengthened their decision to rally support both within Nigeria and from Igbos abroad.

Okpara criticized the governor, calling him a busybody who should focus on his job rather than making comments that could ruin his public image.

The forum is also encouraging people in Edo and Delta States to join their movement to help Obi succeed in the next election. Finally, they called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to fix the economy and improve the poor infrastructure across the country.