‘He’s Afraid of Only One Man’ — CUPP Alleges Plan to Shut Out Top 2027 Candidate

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team are increasingly unnerved by the growing influence of Labour Party flagbearer, Peter Obi, as the countdown to the 2027 presidential election intensifies.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ameh, alleged that intelligence gathered from political consultations, private briefings and region-wide assessments shows that the presidency views Obi as the only candidate with the capacity to challenge its hold on power.

Ameh said the administration’s unease is reflected in the consistent jabs thrown at Obi by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who he described as “obsessively focused” on the former Anambra governor. According to him, the same energy is not directed at other heavyweight politicians expected to contest in 2027.

“We do not make guesses. Our conclusions come from data and detailed political engagements. Everything points to one fact — this government does not want Peter Obi on the ballot,” he stated.

Ameh argued that Obi’s performance in the 2023 election, especially his victory in the Federal Capital Territory and his strong national showing despite alleged suppression, has positioned him as a dominant political force.

He maintained that the ruling party sees Obi as the most credible threat to its plans for 2027, adding that attempts to discredit him publicly are signs of deeper strategic concerns within the government.

The CUPP secretary warned that the alleged efforts to weaken Obi ahead of the polls underscore the mounting political tension as Nigeria gradually approaches another major election year.