DAILY POST had reported that during the election, LP’s candidate, George Moghalu, backed openly by Peter Obi, failed to secure victory in Agulu, Anaocha LGA, where Obi hails from. Instead, APC’s candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, won the polling unit with 73 votes against LP’s 57.
The election was largely dominated by APGA and the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who swept most of the votes, while the APC trailed behind.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party and ADC—expected by some to form a rising coalition—failed to make a significant mark.
Debate Over Obi’s Popularity
The loss instantly triggered heated conversations online, with many questioning whether Obi’s popularity had dwindled, especially considering his 2023 presidential run where he swept the Southeast.
Some argued that the loss was a sign that Obi no longer commands influence, while others insisted that his popularity remains unaffected since he was not personally on the ballot.
Before the election, Obi had publicly campaigned for Moghalu, even posting on social media:
“I will support my party’s candidate, George Moghalu. My conscience says so.”
Obi also joined a solidarity walk in Anambra to drum up support.
The Obidient Movement Coordinator, Tanko, had assured supporters at the time that the movement’s grassroots network across the state was fully activated, with over 5,700 polling unit commanders inaugurated.
Despite this, LP still underperformed.
Following the outcome, the Lagos State chapter of the APC taunted Obi, saying Nigerians should not take his 2027 presidential ambition seriously.
APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, questioned Obi’s national influence:
“A man who cannot win his polling unit has no business dreaming of winning a country. A man rejected on his street cannot claim nationwide acceptance.”
The APC described Obi’s polling-unit loss as evidence of “complete disintegration of the myth around Peter Obi,” adding that they hope he does not “run to beg for foreign intervention” as they claimed he had previously done.
Speaking to DAILY POST, Barrister Emma Ibediro, a former APC National Organising Secretary, dismissed the controversy, insisting the loss does not diminish Obi’s political standing.
According to him:
Obi was not on the ballot, so his popularity was not tested.
The focus should be on the candidates who contested.
Obi played a statesmanlike role, urging that whoever won should work for the people.
Ibediro argued that Obi’s support base will be tested only when he personally contests again.
Debate Over Obi’s Popularity
The loss instantly triggered heated conversations online, with many questioning whether Obi’s popularity had dwindled, especially considering his 2023 presidential run where he swept the Southeast.
Some argued that the loss was a sign that Obi no longer commands influence, while others insisted that his popularity remains unaffected since he was not personally on the ballot.
Before the election, Obi had publicly campaigned for Moghalu, even posting on social media:
“I will support my party’s candidate, George Moghalu. My conscience says so.”
Obi also joined a solidarity walk in Anambra to drum up support.
The Obidient Movement Coordinator, Tanko, had assured supporters at the time that the movement’s grassroots network across the state was fully activated, with over 5,700 polling unit commanders inaugurated.
Despite this, LP still underperformed.
Following the outcome, the Lagos State chapter of the APC taunted Obi, saying Nigerians should not take his 2027 presidential ambition seriously.
APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, questioned Obi’s national influence:
“A man who cannot win his polling unit has no business dreaming of winning a country. A man rejected on his street cannot claim nationwide acceptance.”
The APC described Obi’s polling-unit loss as evidence of “complete disintegration of the myth around Peter Obi,” adding that they hope he does not “run to beg for foreign intervention” as they claimed he had previously done.
Speaking to DAILY POST, Barrister Emma Ibediro, a former APC National Organising Secretary, dismissed the controversy, insisting the loss does not diminish Obi’s political standing.
According to him:
Obi was not on the ballot, so his popularity was not tested.
The focus should be on the candidates who contested.
Obi played a statesmanlike role, urging that whoever won should work for the people.
Ibediro argued that Obi’s support base will be tested only when he personally contests again.
Mixed Reactions From Nigerians
Social media erupted with contrasting opinions:
Critics claimed Obi was losing relevance.
Some mocked him for losing "in his own backyard."
Others argued that he remains the most popular figure in the Southeast.
Supporters reminded critics that Obi overwhelmingly won the region in 2023.
Some notable reactions include:
“Peter Obi’s popularity has waned even amongst his people!” – @YettyO_Jp
“Peter wasn’t on the ballot. Check back in 2027.” – @PeterRaph4Obi
“If it’s not Peter’s election, they don’t support his candidate.” – @KpuraAraba
“Come 2027, Obi or nothing!” – @Iambigiyke
Social media erupted with contrasting opinions:
Critics claimed Obi was losing relevance.
Some mocked him for losing "in his own backyard."
Others argued that he remains the most popular figure in the Southeast.
Supporters reminded critics that Obi overwhelmingly won the region in 2023.
Some notable reactions include:
“Peter Obi’s popularity has waned even amongst his people!” – @YettyO_Jp
“Peter wasn’t on the ballot. Check back in 2027.” – @PeterRaph4Obi
“If it’s not Peter’s election, they don’t support his candidate.” – @KpuraAraba
“Come 2027, Obi or nothing!” – @Iambigiyke
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