Peter Obi: Between Probity and Politics
By Adolphus Arebanmhen Aletor
The proposed solidarity visit to Edo State by the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, in Nigeria’s last general election, Mr Peter Obi, come June 15, 2024, is in the least worrisome to many “Obidients”.
The widely perceived modest LP’s flag bearer in 2023 had entered the raise challenging the faulty political order of the day, which had become tainted with gross socio-political absurdities and disorder, to the consternation of many – home and abroad, citizens and none-citizens.
In Obi was renewed hope personified, with a consequential mass followership that would earn the sobriquet “Obidients”, and The Obi Movement.
The former Governor of South-Eastern Anambra State’s followership has been firmly built on his self-styled frugality with both private and public resources, so much so that one of his popular campaign mantras became “we no dey give shishi”. This emphasised his commitment to politics untainted by monetary influence. For Obi, political power should not be coerced or retrieved by any forms of financial inducement on the electorate.
The Peter Obi’s none-clanish, none-religious Obidients Movement was also layered on his firm advocacy for zoning and regional equity as veritable tool for Nigeria’s journey towards a gainful enterprise for all.
This is why his recent decision to join the campaign train of Barr. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party Governorship candidate is considered to be one pill too bitter for the Obidients to swallow. Recall that the primary election which held on 23 February, 2025, which saw the emergence of Akpata was generally perceived as one that was completely dollarised and marred with multiple shades of corrupt practices, almost unprecedented in the history of Nigeria’s recent politics, and particularly in a party with a supposed modest appeal to the ordinary man.
Despite having six aspirants from Edo Central, out of the total eight aspirants that participated in the primaries, the party failed to zone the ticket to that region, thereby sparking accusations of injustice and unfairness from many.
Peter Obi’s silence or seeming silence in the LP leadership crisis in Edo State has also continued to be frowned at. The party’s Exco led by Mr. Kelly Ogbailor has been accused of operating unconstitutionally, as his tenure has expired. The implosion which has attended the flagrant disregard of the NWC’s Caretaker Committee led by Elizabeth Ativie, by the party’s Governorship candidate has led to mass exits from the party.
Peter Obi’s failure to address this internal conflict and his decision to go ahead in support of Akpata’s campaign have raised questions about his leadership and commitment to democratic principles.
Let it be known to Peter Obi that “Obidients” who expect more from their leader, have decided to support the candidate of the PDP, Dr Asue Ighodaro.To retain his position as champion of a new political order in Nigeria, nay Africa, Peter Obi needs to ensure he does not sink into the dead end of Politics, the end of which may be political oblivion.
By campaigning for the candidate who emerged from this flawed process, Obi compromises his own principles and undermines his credibility. His silence on the allegations of corruption and manipulation in the LP primaries contradicts his stance on similar issues in the presidential election. This double standard damages his reputation as a leader who stands for something greater than personal ambition.
If Peter Obi who is credited with “You can only be excellent when the process through which you emerged was excellent” takes a decision to campaign for a candidate as Barr. Olumide O. Akpata
he would have betrayed his supporters’ trust. He would have become like the other Politicians who trade in awkward inconsistencies and duplicitous bargains.
