Yusuf Claims Peter Obi Not Sellable in North, Will Face Interrogation

Prof Usman Yusuf, former head of Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Scheme, told DCL English that the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, is not sellable in the North and cannot penetrate the region. Yusuf said Northerners will interrogate Obi over his tenure as governor and his refusal to disassociate himself from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which the government has declared a terrorist group. He accused Obi of claiming that IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu should not have been arrested and of being clean.

Yusuf also criticised Obi’s 2023 campaign as Igbocentric, saying he focused on churches and Christians, which he believes makes Muslims uncomfortable. He noted the three main oppositions for 2027 are APC’s Bola Tinubu, ADC’s Atiku Abubakar, and the NDC’s Peter Obi.

This statement highlights regional acceptance challenges for Obi, could affect his electoral prospects in the North, and signals that opposition figures will scrutinize his past associations and campaign focus. For Northern voters, it raises questions about whether Obi can address their concerns and gain trust.

Given Yusuf’s remarks, what steps should Obi take to address Northern concerns about his IPOB ties and perceived Christian focus, or should Northern voters look elsewhere for a candidate they trust?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/20/2027-peter-obi-not-sellable-in-north-well-interrogate-him-yusuf/