Former Anambra governorship candidate and close ally of Peter Obi, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has alleged that some politicians already eyeing the 2027 presidential race are behind a coordinated campaign to discredit the Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer.

Obaze, who once served as Secretary to the Anambra State Government under Obi and now heads Selonnes Consult in Awka, claimed that powerful interests are investing heavily in smear campaigns targeted at the former governor of Anambra State.

In a statement shared on social media, the former UN diplomat said Obi’s rising popularity, especially among young Nigerians, has made him a threat to the political establishment.

“Some politicians with vested interests are already fighting back. They are deploying trolls and propaganda machines to demarket Peter Obi. The onslaught is so well-funded, you’d think Obi is the only person contesting in 2027,” Obaze said.

He further alleged that some of the attacks are even being fueled by individuals pretending to be from Obi’s Igbo ethnic group to make the smear campaign appear more authentic.

Obaze insisted that Obi remains a “national asset”, stressing that many Nigerians see him as the only credible alternative for true leadership.

“If Obi runs, he might not win. If he doesn’t run, he definitely won’t win. But Nigerians own Peter Obi as much as he owns himself. He cannot afford not to be on the ballot in 2027,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Obaze suggested that Obi’s major mistake was refusing to seek the blessings of Nigeria’s political “power brokers,” a decision which, according to him, cost him victory despite his overwhelming popularity.

He concluded with a rallying call:

“Run, Peter, Run. Let history take its rightful course.”

The remarks have further stirred political conversations across Nigeria, with many observers noting that the battle for 2027 has already begun—two years ahead of time.