The Movement for the Actualization of South-East Presidency (MASEP), led by its founder Hon. Prince Humphrey Onyima, in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, accused former vice-president,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State governor,Mallam Nasir el-Rufai of working against the realization of a south-east presidency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition is reportedly exploring alternatives, including backing former Rivers State governor,Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, amid a growing Atiku-Obi deadlock.
“We, the members of MASEP, have watched with dismay as various actors continue to speculate on Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential aspiration. Many are projecting what Obi should or should not do, stirring political tension for personal or regional gains.
“It has become evident that the Northern coalition, led by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir el-Rufai, is only willing to support the south-east if Peter Obi accepts a vice presidential slot—nothing more.
“Let it be known, unequivocally, that MASEP will have no choice but to support the re-election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 if the northern coalition refuses to back Peter Obi for president. Our reason is simple: to ensure the south completes its tenure, thereby paving the way for a Northern presidency in 2031. A Peter Obi or Bola Tinubu presidency in 2027 will preserve that trajectory.
“For too long,” the statement continued, “a misguided elite led us into chaotic governance. We are now in a corrective phase. Though change won’t happen overnight, we must rally behind Peter Obi in 2027.”
The group urged Nigerians to assess Obi’s candidacy based on his 2023 performance and the resilience he has shown, not through the lens of religion, ethnicity, or region. Sentiment should not cloud judgment.
MASEP accused the coalition of seeking to exploit Obi’s popularity. For the opposition to reclaim power in 2027 and urged it to genuinely support Obi as its consensus presidential candidate—not merely use him for optics.
Recently, Segun Sowunmi, a PDP chieftain, cautioned that the coalition’s interest in Obi is opportunistic. He questioned the sincerity of efforts to convince Obi to join a coalition driven by Atiku, El-Rufai and others.
Reports suggest Atiku has proposed that Obi run as his vice president, promising to hand over power after one tenure of four years. MASEP views this approach as self-serving and dismissive of broad national aspirations for a south-east president.
“Ultimately, it is Peter Obi’s decision whether to allow himself to be used by the coalition.
“The foundation of any movement seeking to rescue Nigeria cannot be inherently selfish. This coalition talk is clearly an attempt to exploit Peter Obi and it is his call whether to allow it,” MASEP stated.
The group praised Obi’s post-2023 election conduct, noting his continued presence across the country and grassroots engagement.
MASEP rejected the notion that Obi has no chance in 2027, arguing that the perception is rooted in the fact that Obi is neither from the north or the south-west.
“After 2023, people have seen Obi’s commitment. He’s touring communities, building structures—doing what serious presidential aspirants do. If Peter Obi were a Hausa, Fulani, or Yoruba man, would anyone question his viability as a candidate?
“If a candidate can secure over 6 million votes with a ragtag support base and people still dismiss his prospects, what exactly are we discussing about rescuing Nigeria?”
Obi exited the PDP in 2022 after alleging widespread delegate bribery and vote-buying in the party’s primaries, opting instead to contest under the Labour Party.
“Our advice to the Atiku-El-Rufai coalition: explore every possible avenue to convince Obi to lead the opposition,” the statement echoed.
It’s worth recalling that Obi’s departure from the PDP, along with the rebellion by Governor Wike and disenchanted South-East PDP members, contributed significantly to the party’s 2023 loss. Only a genuine reconciliation can salvage opposition chances in 2027.
“Any clear-headed, fair-minded PDP member should realise that the next logical step is to engage Peter Obi meaningfully. The momentum behind him is organic,” MASEP added.
“Peter Obi’s campaign has instilled more hope in Nigerians than any in recent memory. He gave people a reason to believe.”
MASEP also asserted that the south-east, like any other region, deserves the opportunity to govern Nigeria.
“No region has a monopoly on leadership. We, the people of the South-East, are as Nigerian as anyone and must be given the opportunity to lead this country to greater heights.”
“If the Northern coalition fails to support Obi in 2027, we will throw our weight behind Tinubu’s re-election, then return the presidency to the North in 2031—without further negotiation or delay.”
“We call on every man and woman from the South-East to support Peter Obi in 2027. Let’s organize ourselves and fully participate in the electoral process.”
However, signs emerging from the opposition coalition—led by Atiku and El-Rufai—indicate growing support for former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as a possible consensus flagbearer for 2027.
This shift reportedly arises from Obi’s insistence on running with his 2023 running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Amaechi, who recently turned 60, alluded to his ambitions during a birthday lecture where he said he refused to support Tinubu in 2023 due to doubts about his ability to unify the country—a position he claims has been vindicated.
A coalition source disclosed that the exclusive nature of Amaechi’s lecture, titled “Weaponising Hunger,” was due to its sensitive political content.
The source also revealed efforts to convince Atiku to step down, noting that both Obi and Atiku remain adamant about contesting.
“With time slipping by and no resolution between Atiku and Obi, some believe a third option is necessary,” the source said. “Amaechi, who came second in the APC primaries, has a broad appeal.”
There are indications that Buhari loyalists prefer Amaechi over Atiku or Obi, and that Amaechi may agree to serve only one term—similar to pledges reportedly made by Atiku and Obi.
Meanwhile, Dr. Umar Ardo, co-convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), confirmed discussions about forming a new political party as a neutral platform for the coalition.
Ardo, who contested the Adamawa governorship in 2023, dismissed suggestions that the new party would favour Atiku, warning against merging with existing parties due to structural risks and potential manipulation.
He emphasised that a new party offers greater control and resistance to sabotage. Though Atiku prefers using existing parties, Ardo clarified that supporting a new party doesn’t equate to endorsing Atiku’s bid.
Political analyst, Dr. Katch Ononuju has also stressed that Obi’s right to run in 2027 must not be compromised if the coalition hopes to hold.
If the coalition proceeds to register a new party—tentatively named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—the political landscape may see Atiku and Obi contesting under their existing parties while Amaechi emerges as ADA’s presidential candidate.
The northern coalition, it seems, still insists on Obi as vice president or nothing.
“⁰In light of all this, MASEP firmly stands with Peter Obi for president in 2027—in the interest of a northern presidency in 2031. Fellow citizens, this is our position. Let the consultations continue, but whatever the political configuration, it must favour a south-east presidency in 2027.”
God bless Nigeria.
God bless the people of South-east.
