The Obidient Movement says the North is fast becoming Peter Obi’s political stronghold ahead of the 2027 elections — a twist that challenges old assumptions about regional support patterns in Nigeria.
This assertion follows the recent conferment of a traditional title on Obi by the District Head of Pantami, Gombe State. The former Labour Party presidential candidate was honoured with the title “Sarkin Maskan Pantami”, which translates to “Chief of Shelter and Peace of Pantami.”
The appointment was formally communicated in a letter signed by Mai Martaba Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi, the District Head of Pantami, and made public by Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Global Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, during a briefing in Abuja.
According to the monarch, the title recognises Obi’s “dedication and determination towards the development of our community,” citing his consistent humanitarian interventions across Northern Nigeria.
The Obidient Movement described the honour as more than ceremonial, calling it a “cultural endorsement of service, character, and authentic leadership.”
“This is not just a title. It’s a symbol of trust — a traditional seal of approval from the North for a man who has walked his talk,” Yunusa noted.
Observers say this symbolic endorsement — coming from a Northern emirate — signals a growing wave of cross-regional appeal that could reshape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race.
Obi, known for his consistent engagements in education, health, and flood-relief interventions in the North, is increasingly being perceived as a bridge-builder — even in regions historically dominated by rival parties.
Whether this momentum translates to electoral advantage remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the North is no longer a no-go zone for Peter Obi.