A former supporter of Peter Obi, James Kitiya, has stated that the former Anambra State governor no longer stands a realistic chance in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that he should not be considered a viable contender.
Kitiya, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, made the remarks during an appearance on Vanguard’s podcast The Nigerian Meter. He claimed that the momentum which powered Obi’s 2023 campaign under the Labour Party Nigeria has significantly declined.
According to him, a major weakness of the movement lies in its structure. He argued that many supporters, particularly those in the diaspora, lack the grassroots presence and voter mobilization capacity needed to influence election outcomes within Nigeria.
Kitiya suggested that the unity and confidence once associated with the Obi movement have faded, adding that even some loyalists privately acknowledge the shift. He criticized sections of the movement for what he described as reliance on online s rather than issue based political engagement.
Explaining his defection, Kitiya said he officially joined the APC in February 2026 in Adamawa State.
He cited his support for the administration of Bola Tinubu, pointing to infrastructure projects and governance efforts as reasons for his decision. He referenced developments such as the coastal road near Eko Atlantic as visible signs of progress.
However, he acknowledged that many Nigerians are facing economic hardship and urged the government to intensify efforts to address rising living costs.
Despite his criticism of Obi’s prospects, Kitiya described him as a “good man,” but maintained that, from a political standpoint, he no longer sees a clear path for him in the 2027 race.
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