2027: Obi Entered the Wrong Political Battlefield, Says Henry as He Questions Dickson’s Loyalty

By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

Political analyst Henry Shield has faulted Peter Obi’s decision to align with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the move as a major political miscalculation that could weaken the former Anambra State governor’s chances of success.

Speaking during a live appearance on AIT’s Political Platform on Wednesday, Shield argued that the NDC has failed to fully embrace and project Obi as its presidential flag bearer, unlike other major parties that have already begun aggressively promoting their candidates months before the election.

According to him, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has built its messaging around President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope agenda, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made former Vice President Atiku Abubakar the face of its political campaign, the NDC appears reluctant to place Obi at the centre of its political strategy.

Shield noted that the party's public activities and communications have done little to convince Nigerians that Obi is truly its standard-bearer. He questioned why party leaders have not launched a coordinated campaign to market the former Labour Party presidential candidate to voters across the country.

Drawing comparisons with Tinubu’s rise within the APC, the analyst said influential figures often take the spotlight while presidential hopefuls work behind the scenes. However, he argued that in Obi’s case, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson appears to dominate the conversation surrounding the NDC.

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The analyst also cast doubt on Dickson’s commitment to Obi’s presidential ambition despite the former governor’s public declarations of support. He recalled previous remarks by Dickson suggesting that he was equally qualified to contest for Nigeria’s highest office, a position Shield believes raises questions about where his true political loyalties lie.

“I am not convinced by the public endorsements alone,” Shield said, insisting that actions and political conduct should be examined beyond official statements.

He further criticised the NDC leadership for focusing its energy on internal disputes and alleged attempts by outsiders to take control of the party rather than promoting its presidential candidate ahead of the crucial election season.

According to him, many of the party’s recent statements have centred on defending its structure from perceived political infiltrators, while little attention has been paid to building Obi’s national profile and strengthening his campaign machinery.

Shield warned that the consequences of the decision could soon become evident, arguing that Obi may face intense political pressure within the party and beyond as the countdown to the 2027 election continues.

Maintaining that he had consistently voiced the same concern, the analyst said Obi’s choice of political platform could eventually prove costly, adding that the former governor may find it difficult to operate freely in the highly competitive political environment leading up to the polls.

With only a few months left before Nigerians head to the ballot, Shield insisted that Obi’s move to the NDC remains one of the most questionable strategic decisions made by any major contender in the race for the presidency.