“You Are Criminals, Not Obidients” — Peter Obi Disowns Trolls Insulting ADC Leaders
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and a central figure in the ongoing opposition realignment, has forcefully disowned individuals using his name to insult leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition figures.
Speaking on Tuesday during an engagement at the Obidient movement’s secretariat, Obi declared that anyone engaging in abusive behavior towards coalition leaders is a “criminal” and not a genuine member of his movement.
Obi addressed the rising wave of online vitriol targeting key figures within the opposition coalition, emphasizing that such behavior contradicts his political values.
He stressed that he maintains cordial relationships with all major opposition leaders and would never sanction attacks against them.
“Let me tell you here, most of the things you hear… [are from] criminals that are not Obidient people. You don’t see anybody calling the other a bad name. We are not asking for division.
“We are in the ADC and respect everybody there. But as for calling people bad names, we are not in support of it. I don’t subscribe to it and I am not part of it,” Obi stated.
Listing several prominent political figures, Obi described them as his “elder brothers” and colleagues, making it clear that political differences should not degenerate into personal animosity.
“The people I met there, down to the party chairman, are my elder brothers. People like Atiku are my leader and a very respected elder brother. Amaechi is my brother, and we are very close.
“So also is el-Rufai. Name them, all the people who are there — Liyel Imoke, Oyegun, Aregbesola. These are my colleagues. So how do I say anything bad about them?” he queried.
Obi warned that those spreading hate are “elements trying to hurt the Peter Obi brand.” He urged his true supporters to redirect their energy toward addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria, such as insecurity, unemployment, and the plight of out-of-school children.
“That is not what we should be doing in politics. Let us talk about out-of-school children, hungry and unemployed Nigerians, insecurity, and how random abduction of people… is occurring. That should be our pre-occupation,” he added.
Obi’s remarks come amidst reports of internal friction within the ADC and the broader opposition coalition as maneuvering begins ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With both Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar signaling interest in the presidency, supporters from rival camps have clashed over issues of zoning and candidacy.
Atiku Abubakar had previously issued a similar warning on January 20, stating that anyone trading insults within the opposition does not have the coalition’s interest at heart and is inadvertently strengthening the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
