Obi Wants Presidency, Not Vice Role’ — Simon Kolawole

Veteran journalist and columnist Simon Kolawole has said it is no longer debatable that Peter Obi is determined to become Nigeria’s president, not a vice-presidential candidate.

According to Kolawole, Obi set out to be president and has consistently positioned himself for the highest office, a goal strongly shared by his core support base. He noted that the passionate backing Obi enjoys is rooted in the belief that he should serve as the chief executive of the federation, not as someone’s running mate.

Kolawole explained that this conviction is the reason sections of Obi’s supporters opposed any alliance that would not guarantee him the presidential ticket, including talks involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC). For these supporters, it is “the presidency or nothing.”

However, he added that not all Obi supporters hold the same rigid view. While some remain hardliners, others are more flexible, insisting only that Obi must be on the ticket — whether as the presidential or vice-presidential candidate.

Kolawole described the situation as a divide between hardliners, who insist on Obi contesting solely for president, and moderates, who are open to strategic compromise.