RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has declared that Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, lacks the political influence to prevent former Governor Peter Obi from securing electoral victory in the state during the 2027 general election.
Ayodele asserted while commenting on Obi’s political prospects and the growing political calculations ahead of the next presidential election.
The cleric maintained that Obi’s popularity in Anambra remained formidable, arguing that even a significantly greater level of political influence from Soludo would not be sufficient to stop the former governor from winning the state.
“Ten million Soludo will not stop Peter Obi from winning in Anambra State,” Ayodele declared.
His statement appeared to underscore his belief that Obi continues to command considerable political support in his home state despite differences among prominent political figures in Anambra.
SOLUDO’S PREVIOUS CRITICISM OF OBI
The declaration comes against the backdrop of earlier political disagreements between Soludo and Obi, both of whom have served as governors of Anambra State.
In November 2022, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Soludo published an opinion article in which he questioned Obi’s chances of winning the presidency.
Soludo argued at the time that the former governor faced significant political obstacles, particularly in building the nationwide alliances and party structures required to secure victory in a presidential election.
Although he acknowledged that Obi could attract substantial support in Anambra State, Soludo maintained that popularity within a candidate’s home state would not necessarily translate into a nationwide electoral victory.
His remarks generated widespread reactions among Obi’s supporters and political observers, particularly in the South-East, where the former governor enjoyed significant backing.
OBI’S PERFORMANCE IN 2023
Peter Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Labour Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.
His campaign attracted considerable attention, particularly among young voters and Nigerians advocating changes in governance, economic management and political leadership.
Obi eventually finished third in the presidential election, behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
However, he recorded a strong performance in several states, including Anambra, where he secured an overwhelming majority of votes.
His electoral showing strengthened his position as a prominent opposition figure and established a substantial political support base ahead of future elections.
POLITICAL CALCULATIONS AHEAD OF 2027
As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, political attention has increasingly turned to the potential influence of former governors, incumbent state executives and opposition leaders.
Anambra remains a politically significant state in the South-East, with Obi’s previous electoral performance providing an important reference point for discussions about his prospects.
Soludo, meanwhile, remains a major political figure in the state through his position as governor and his leadership within the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Ayodele’s remarks suggest that he believes Obi’s support among Anambra voters could withstand opposition from the state’s political establishment.
However, the cleric’s assertion represents a political prediction rather than a confirmed electoral outcome.
The result of any future contest will ultimately depend on voter preferences, political alliances, party organisation, candidate participation and the conduct of the election.
Neither Soludo’s political influence nor Obi’s previous electoral success can independently determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
As political activities intensify, the relationship between the two former political allies and their respective support bases is expected to remain a subject of public discussion.
