AS political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, a prominent group of Nigerian engineers has formally thrown its weight behind former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, now flying the flag of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The group, Engineers for Peter Obi 2027, convened in 2022 initially to support Obi under the Labour Party banner, is led by Distinguished Engr. Clement Ede Agege, FNSE, FNSChE, a consulting engineer. In this exclusive interview, Engr. Agege outlined the group’s mission, rationale, and confidence in Obi’s candidacy.
Q: Can you tell us about the formation and objective of Engineers for Peter Obi?
A: Engineers for Peter Obi is a professional pressure group that brings together the Nigerian Engineering family – Engineers, Technologists, Technicians, and Craftsmen. We are set to fully mobilise this critical mass of professionals to ensure Peter Obi is elected President of Nigeria in 2027. Our support is rooted in his clear mantra of transforming Nigeria from a consumption economy to a production economy. That is a direct call to Nigerian engineers and technical professionals.
Q: Why Peter Obi at this time, especially given the performance of the current administration?
A: The obvious failures of the present government have reinforced the belief that Peter Obi was and remains the better candidate. He is competent, a man of character, carries no baggage, has been tested, and possesses the physical and mental strength required for the demanding job of President. He enjoys widespread support across the country, a situation further strengthened by his choice of Distinguished Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, as running mate – a popular, tested, and experienced leader from the engineering family.
Q: How would you describe Peter Obi’s personal attributes and political approach?
A: We believe in him completely. He is a man of unparalleled integrity – something all Nigerians can verify. Over the years, Nigerian politics has rarely been shaped by ideas, but Peter Obi has given real meaning to politics of clarity and development. His movement to the NDC was a strategic masterstroke that has placed him firmly on the ballot. All attempts to exclude him using ruling-party and state apparatus failed. This has given Nigerian voters the best alternative in 2027.
Q: There were reports of challenges in securing a platform. How did that play out?
A: It was very clear that deliberate attempts were being made to keep him off the ballot. The internal modalities in some parties and unending litigations created minefields. Real-time monitoring of parties became a key strategy. Peter Obi needed a cleaner platform to actualise the dreams of his supporters, and the NDC has provided that. He understands Nigerian politics deeply and comes with a clean, unparalleled record. Many years after leaving office, he remains the hope of the majority of Nigerians who want the country to get it right.
Q: What is your projection for the 2027 election?
A: For the 2027 election, Peter Obi will achieve a minimum of 40 percent in all states, including the FCT. His extremely strong showing in the fourteen states he won in 2023 will make the contest clear. We are confident he can win in the first round.
Q: What specific policy areas drive your support?
A: Mr. Peter Obi is very knowledgeable about Nigeria’s economy. He has studied successful developing countries. His vision is to fix electricity, agriculture, security, cost of governance, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Only he is seriously talking about job creation on a scale that will minimise unemployment. The Obidients – his hardline organic supporters – and the Kwankwasiya movement are groups of youths ready to take their destiny into their own hands. Together with the Nigerian Engineering family, they will sustain this momentum. Good governance does not recognise ethnic complexity; look at Rwanda.
Q: Final words on the movement?
A: The Obidients feel safe in Peter Obi’s hands because he prioritises the larger national interest. With his carriage, skill, and the increased voter registration he has encouraged, we believe Nigeria is poised for a positive turnaround in 2027.
Engr. Clement Ede Agege emphasised that the group will intensify mobilisation across the engineering community and collaborate with youth movements to deliver victory for Peter Obi and his running mate, Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso. The emergence of Engineers for Peter Obi adds a professional and technical dimension to the growing coalition supporting the NDC presidential candidate.
