Peter Obi Backs Nationwide Protests

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the previous general elections, has expressed support for the upcoming nationwide protest against economic hardship, scheduled between August 1 and 15.

Speaking after a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Sunday, Obi emphasized that protesters should act within the law and called on security agencies to respect the legal right to protest.

Obi stated, “Protest is allowed within the Nigerian constitution. I urge protesters to be civil and lawful to demonstrate our nation’s adherence to the law. Everyone knows times are tough. When sponsors of the protest are mentioned, I say it’s driven by hunger and hopelessness among the youth, so we need to listen to what Nigerians are going through. Security agencies should manage the situation lawfully and not be overbearing. Protest is globally recognized. It’s essential to engage and listen to protesters, as governance is about addressing their concerns.”

This marks Obi’s first public stance on the protest. Previously, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, linked Obi to the protest, accusing his supporters of planning chaos. Obi responded by demanding a public apology from Onanuga within 72 hours, threatening a defamation lawsuit if his demand was not met. Through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, Obi requested that the apology be published in four national newspapers and Onanuga’s verified social media handle. Obi’s legal team described the allegation as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation, emphasizing his non-violent and law-abiding record. Onanuga, however, refused to apologize, challenging Obi to take the matter to court.