2027: Umeh's ethnic politics is self-sabotage, dangerous setback to Obi — Arabambi

Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi has criticized Senator Victor Umeh after Umeh made a controversial comment suggesting that any Igbo person who does not support Peter Obi for President is an enemy of the Igbo people. Arabambi called the statement politically reckless, divisive and likely to harm Obi's chances of securing support across ethnic lines ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Umeh, known as Ohamadike of Ndigbo, made the remarks in a video urging South-East residents to treat anyone opposing Obi as an enemy of the Igbo race. However, Arabambi disagreed, stating that Nigeria is a multiracial, multi-ethnic and multiparty democracy where every citizen can freely support the candidate of their choice, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

He warned that demanding universal support for Obi based solely on ethnic identity could create suspicion among non-Igbo voters and weaken Obi's appeal beyond the Igbo community. Arabambi likened Umeh's position to a political miscalculation, arguing that winning a presidential election requires more than ethnic loyalty - it demands securing the most votes and a significant share in multiple regions.

He questioned how politicians could urge Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, Middle Belt, and other ethnic groups to embrace Obi if some Igbo leaders publicly suggested backing another candidate would betray the Igbo race. Arabambi warned that Umeh's stance could backfire by damaging the very presidential ambition he claims to defend, and that forcing Igbo citizens to only support Obi would amount to self-sabotage.