Former supporter Kitiya dismisses Peter Obi's 2027 prospects, says he won't make an impact as a contender.

James Kitiya, a former backer of Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, now believes Obi has no realistic shot at winning the 2027 general election, and should no longer be considered a viable contender, following his own defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Kitiya made these remarks during an appearance on Vanguard's podcast, The Nigerian Meter, where he discussed his reasons for leaving the Obidient movement and throwing his support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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According to Kitiya, the momentum that once drove Obi's support base has significantly dwindled since the 2023 elections, and he argued that many of Obi's supporters, particularly those abroad, lack the necessary grassroots structure to sway electoral outcomes.

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Kitiya noted that the cohesion and confidence that once defined the Obidient movement are no longer apparent, saying "Most of these guys, especially the ones outside Nigeria, they don’t have voter’s cards, they can’t mobilise people on the ground," and adding that the connection between supporters has been lost.

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He recalled the confidence of Obidient supporters before the 2023 election, saying "Before the 2023 election, if you check how we Obidients were talking, we had confidence because the connection was there," but now believes that connection is gone.

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Kitiya claimed that even loyal Obidient supporters privately acknowledge the shift in momentum, saying "If I call two Obidients and place them on speaker, they will tell you their truths," in support of his position.

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Kitiya officially joined the APC in February 2026 in Adamawa State, citing the visible performance and infrastructural efforts of the Tinubu administration as a key factor in his decision, including projects like the coastal road near Eko Atlantic.

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He acknowledged the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, but commended the administration's policies, while urging more attention be given to addressing the current cost-of-living challenges.

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Kitiya also criticised the communication style of some Obidient supporters, accusing them of relying on insults and online attacks, rather than engaging in issue-based discussions, though he urged them to continue supporting their preferred candidate peacefully.

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Despite his criticism, Kitiya described Obi as "a good man," but maintained that, from a political standpoint, he no longer sees a viable pathway for Obi ahead of the 2027 election, saying "Don’t call Peter Obi a candidate, he’s going nowhere in 2027."