Umeh says Igbo opponents of Obi’s 2027 bid are working against Igbo interests

Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, has said that any Igbo person who campaigns against Peter Obi’s presidential ambition is acting against the interests of the Igbo community. Umeh, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), characterized the former Anambra State governor as the Igbo people’s conscience and representative ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a video shared on Monday, the senator urged residents of the South-East to unite behind Obi’s presidential bid. He also advised political leaders in the region, especially the Anambra State Government, to avoid actions that could weaken Obi’s campaign. “I’m an Igbo activist; you people know me, and you hear my voice in the Senate on all issues of national importance. Peter is our conscience in this election. Any Igbo man who stands up to say we will not vote for Peter Obi, I’m telling you that he’s an enemy of the Igbo people,” Umeh said. The lawmaker appealed specifically to the state government not to allow political differences to affect support for Obi, stressing that broader regional interests must come first. Recalling his own role in helping to install previous administrations in the state, including that of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Umeh warned that political office is held in trust for the public. “Let him not commit what is called an abomination by wanting to destroy his brother in the name of politics,” he said. Umeh also asked why Igbo politicians should be discouraged from supporting Obi when leaders from other parts of the country openly mobilize behind President Bola Tinubu.