Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has questioned the political significance of Peter Obi and the Labour Party, asserting that they do not embody genuine political opposition in Nigeria.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Inside Sources on Sunday, May 12, Sowore characterized Obi’s political prominence as a fleeting occurrence that did not confront the established ruling class.
“In terms of real opposition, I don’t know why anybody refers to Peter Obi as one. He hasn’t fought for the mandate he claimed or mobilised his supporters,” Sowore said, criticizing the former Anambra governor for not addressing critical national matters such as fuel price increases.
Sowore labeled the Labour Party as a “short rental” political entity.
“What they call Airbnb in America. You move in, check out when your time expires. When they’re done with Peter Obi, they’ll move it to someone else,” he said.
Sowore also argued that Obi’s surge in popularity during the 2023 elections stemmed from religious sentiments triggered by the APC’s contentious Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He issued a challenge to Obi’s followers, stating, “If you can’t put 60,000 people in the streets, then you’re not serious about opposition.”
In a prompt rebuttal, the Obidient Movement rejected Sowore’s remarks as unfounded. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the movement, defended Obi’s enduring impact, asserting that his every action continues to influence national conversations.
“If Peter Obi is not a threat, why do they always talk about him? Whether he speaks or breathes, it makes news. That’s relevance,” Tanko said during a phone interview with Channels Television.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli