Peter Obi responded to claims that he encouraged insults from his supporters. He made the statement during a visit to the Obidient Movement’s secretariat. The denial came in a viral video that spread quickly online. National Coordinator Dr Yunusa Tanko verified the video’s authenticity.
Additionally Obi emphasized that such behavior clashed with his values. He stated that true Obidients avoided name calling. This response aimed to clarify his position clearly.
Context of Political Strife
Tensions grew within the African Democratic Congress after Obi’s defection on December 31, 2025. His supporters demanded the presidential ticket for him. They threatened withdrawal if he did not receive it. This stance fueled conflicts with Atiku’s camp.
Meanwhile some loyalists expressed strong views. For instance, Aisha Yesufu opposed any vice-presidential role for Obi. She declared, “Let me go back to the Mr Peter Obi conversation where people are like, ‘you should run as vice president.’ Me, and I’m giving you people my word now”
“If Peter Obi is running with anyone as the vice president, as the running mate to that person, I will work against that ticket. In my little capacity, I will work against that ticket. Even if I don’t support any other person, I will work against that ticket.”
Obi’s Direct Disavowal
Obi explicitly distanced himself from the attacks. He said, “These are criminals who are not Obidient people. You don’t see anybody calling the other a bad name. You have never seen me call anybody a bad name.”
He added, “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.”
Furthermore, Obi highlighted his respect for colleagues. He noted, “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 Limoke, Oyegun, Aregbesola. These are my colleagues. So how do I say anything bad about them?”
Call for Focus on Issues
Obi urged a shift in focus. He explained, “Those who are following me, I assure you, will not say anything bad about them. But some elements are trying to do that to hurt the Peter Obi brand.”
He continued, “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 where about 150 worshippers are being kidnapped in churches and mosques is occurring. That should be our pre-occupation.”
Prior Warnings from Atiku
Earlier, Atiku Abubakar had addressed similar issues. He cautioned supporters against verbal attacks. Atiku warned that such actions undermined opposition unity. His statement came via a post on X.
However, Obi’s response sought to ease the friction. The denial reinforced his commitment to respectful politics. Supporters reacted variably to the clarification. The event highlighted ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s opposition coalition. Leaders navigated ambitions while maintaining alliances.
