Nigerian tech entrepreneur and founder of Hotels.ng, Mark Essien, has predicted that Peter Obi will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
Essien made the prediction in a post on his verified X account, expressing confidence that Obi would win the race despite the expected challenge from President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other contenders.
According to Essien, he is willing to stake N1 million on the outcome.
“I’m willing to bet N1m with anyone that Peter Obi will be the next president,” he wrote.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, finished third with more than six million votes nationwide. Following political realignments ahead of the 2027 election, he has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Essien’s prediction adds to the growing political debate over who will succeed in the next general election, which is expected to be one of the most competitive in Nigeria’s recent history.
Oshiomhole Backs Tinubu
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has expressed confidence that President Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027.
Speaking during a recent podcast interview, the former Edo State governor dismissed Obi’s chances, arguing that his record as governor of Anambra State does not demonstrate the leadership qualities required to govern Nigeria.
Oshiomhole questioned Obi’s handling of security challenges during his tenure in Anambra, insisting that President Tinubu remains the strongest contender ahead of the election.
Opposition Remains Divided
Political observers have noted that the opposition landscape remains fragmented, with major figures expected to contest on different political platforms.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose recently argued that the inability of opposition leaders to unite behind a single candidate could strengthen Tinubu’s chances of retaining power in 2027.
With more than a year before political campaigns officially gather momentum, analysts believe alliances, party defections, and coalition-building efforts will play a major role in determining the outcome of the presidential contest.
As preparations for the 2027 election continue, supporters of the leading candidates are already making competing predictions about who will ultimately emerge as Nigeria’s next president.
