Udenwa Rejects Fresh Election Bid, Declares Support for Peter Obi

Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has reportedly ruled out another attempt to contest for elective office, saying he does not intend to seek another political position and expressing support for Peter Obi ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Udenwa, who governed Imo State from 1999 to 2007, has remained an influential figure in the state’s political affairs. He was also appointed Minister of Commerce and Industry in 2008 under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

The former governor’s decision comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political figures positioning themselves for the presidential contest.

‘I Don’t Want to Contest Again’

Udenwa reportedly made his position clear when asked about the possibility of returning to elective politics.

Rather than seeking another office, the former governor indicated that he was stepping back from electoral contests and would instead support the political candidate he believes should lead the country.

His declaration of support for Peter Obi is significant because Obi is currently positioning himself for the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Obi previously joined the opposition coalition that formed around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but later left the ADC alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso and moved to the NDC. Premium Times reported in May 2026 that the NDC screened and cleared Obi to contest its presidential primary.

Udenwa's Political Background

Udenwa was elected governor of Imo State in 1999 and secured a second term in 2003, serving until May 2007. He later became a federal minister.

His decision not to pursue another elective position marks a shift from the period when he was one of the most prominent political figures in the South-East.

His support for Obi, meanwhile, adds another notable South-East political voice to the growing discussion around the 2027 presidential race.

Obi has repeatedly argued that the South-East deserves an opportunity to produce Nigeria's president and has framed his 2027 campaign around economic reform, poverty reduction, security and institutional change.

Obi's 2027 Campaign

Obi's political movement has undergone several changes since the 2023 presidential election, when he contested under the Labour Party.

In 2026, he joined the opposition coalition before moving to the NDC. By May, the party had formally cleared him to participate in its presidential primary.

More recently, Obi has stepped up his campaign activities.

In a September 24 interview with ARISE NEWS, he said that anyone found rigging an election under his administration would face prosecution and imprisonment. He also said opposition parties would not be harassed under his administration and would be involved in important national decisions.

The NDC has also recently had to clarify the activities of groups supporting Obi after distancing itself from a campaign council announced by the OK Movement, saying the group was not an official party structure.

What Udenwa's Declaration Means

Udenwa's statement has two distinct elements: his decision not to seek another elective position and his stated support for Obi.

The first separates the former governor from politicians seeking to return to elected office in 2027. The second places his political influence behind Obi's presidential bid.

However, support from an individual political figure should be distinguished from the position of an entire political party, state or geopolitical zone. The eventual 2027 election will involve multiple candidates, parties and voters across Nigeria.

For Obi, endorsements from experienced political figures can add visibility to his campaign, but the electoral outcome will ultimately depend on voters and the formal election process.

With the 2027 contest already taking shape, Udenwa's decision provides another indication of how prominent South-East political figures are positioning themselves ahead of the presidential election.

Source: Phoneix