The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, in the 2023 election, says he has never encouraged members of the Obidient movement to insult leaders within the opposition coalition.
Obi spoke on Tuesday during an engagement with supporters at the Obidient movement’s secretariat, where he distanced himself from abusive attacks allegedly carried out in his name.
‘Name-calling has no Place in our Politics’
The former Anambra governor said individuals who insult leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or other coalition figures while claiming to be Obidients were criminals and did not represent the movement’s values.
According to him, he maintains cordial relationships with key figures in the coalition and would not endorse attacks against them.
“Let me tell you here, most of the things you hear are done by criminals that are not Obidient people. You don’t see anybody calling the other a bad name. We are not asking for division,” Obi said.
“I personally do not in any way and you have never seen me call anybody a bad name. We are in the ADC and we respect everybody there. 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 Speaks on Relationship with Opposition Leaders
Obi said senior figures in the coalition, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir el-Rufai, were people he held in high regard.
“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,” he said.
He also mentioned Liyel Imoke, John Oyegun and Rauf Aregbesola as colleagues he respects, questioning why he would speak ill of them.
Focus on National Issues, not Insults
Obi assured his supporters that he does not promote verbal attacks on fellow opposition leaders, alleging that some individuals were deliberately trying to damage his political image.
“Those who are following me will not say anything bad about them. But some elements are trying to do that to hurt the Peter Obi brand,” he said.
He urged supporters to focus on national challenges such as out-of-school children, hunger, unemployment and insecurity, including incidents of mass abductions in churches and mosques.
Background to Tensions within ADC
Obi’s comments come amid reports of internal tensions within the ADC linked to his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election.
Both Obi and Atiku have signalled interest in contesting the presidency, with supporters divided over zoning. While many Obi loyalists have called for the ticket to remain in the south, Atiku’s camp has pushed for an open contest.
On January 20, Atiku warned supporters of opposition leaders against trading insults, saying such actions only strengthened the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also said anyone who insults either him or Obi does not have the interest of the coalition or Nigerians at heart.
Earlier, on January 6, Atiku said no presidential hopeful within the ADC would step down ahead of the 2027 election, noting that all qualified aspirants would be free to contest once the party begins its selection process.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
