The General Overseer of Champion Royal Assembly, Prophet Joshua Iginla, has declared that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, remains the most formidable opposition figure capable of mounting a serious challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a live Sunday service, Iginla shared what he described as his personal political opinion, stating that Obi would only stand a realistic chance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if paired with a strong northern running mate.
According to the cleric, a balanced ticket with regional considerations would be crucial in building the kind of national coalition required to pose a serious electoral threat.
“If we really want to give the opposition party a strong fight, put Peter Obi there, let him be deputized by any Northerner and then we will have a fight,” Iginla told his congregation.
Prophet Iginla also cautioned Obi against accepting a vice-presidential slot under any other candidate, warning that such a move could diminish his political influence.
“Peter Obi, don’t — if you vice anybody, you have lost your political relevance. It’s better you go zero and leave them to do their things. The issue is so simple, you need patience if you want to go there,” he said.
His remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and speculation ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition figures explore potential alliances to challenge the APC’s hold on power.
There have been reports of discussions between Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, regarding a possible political alignment. Supporters of both politicians have floated the idea of an Obi–Kwankwaso ticket as a potential game-changer in the next presidential race.
READ ALSO: Obi criticises Tinubu’s ‘better than Kenya’ comment, calls for data-based economic assessment
Obi, who previously ran for president in 2023, remains a prominent opposition figure and is widely seen as a key contender for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), should he formally align with the party.
While neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has officially confirmed any joint ticket arrangement, political observers say regional balancing, coalition-building and party structure will be critical factors in shaping the opposition’s strategy for 2027.
With more than a year to go before formal campaign season, religious leaders, political stakeholders and party loyalists are already weighing in on potential alignments and strategies.
Prophet Iginla’s comments reflect broader conversations about how the opposition can consolidate support across Nigeria’s diverse political and regional landscape to mount a credible challenge to President Tinubu and the APC in the next election cycle.