Sowore Doubts Peter Obi’s Opposition Credibility, Obidient Movement Fires Back
A fresh political rift has erupted in Nigeria after Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), dismissed Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) as an ineffective opposition figure, sparking swift backlash from the Obidient Movement, a passionate support base for Obi.
During a recent interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources on May 11, 2025, Sowore argued that Obi and the Labour Party represent a “short rental” political arrangement, lacking the organizational strength and ideological consistency to mount a genuine opposition to Nigeria’s ruling establishment.
“Peter Obi is not a real opposition,” Sowore asserted. “You cannot claim to be the voice of the people and then remain silent on critical national issues like fuel price hikes and economic hardship.”
He also criticized Obi for failing to mobilize his supporters for street protests, a traditional hallmark of serious opposition politics.
Sowore further claimed that Obi’s prominence during the 2023 elections was largely driven by religious sentiments, pointing to the backlash against the All Progressives Congress (APC) for fielding a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
He suggested that this temporary wave of support has since waned, exposing the Labour Party’s limited grassroots presence and political influence.
Additionally, Sowore took aim at LP lawmakers, accusing them of aligning too closely with the ruling APC, which he said undermines their credibility as opposition figures.
“If you can’t put 60,000 people on the streets to demand change, you’re not serious about challenging the status quo,” he added.
In a swift rebuttal, the Obidient Movement, a prominent political pressure group backing Obi, rejected Sowore’s characterization as both inaccurate and unfair.
Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the movement, defended Obi’s political relevance, arguing that his influence extends far beyond street protests.
“Peter Obi’s every move is news. Even when he goes to the toilet, it’s a headline,” Tanko said, highlighting the former Anambra governor’s enduring popularity.
Tanko also took a swipe at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who recently referenced Obi in a valedictory speech, describing it as a thinly veiled attempt at character assassination.
He claimed that this focus on Obi, even in unrelated settings, is evidence of the impact and reach of the Obidient Movement.
The clash highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s fragmented opposition landscape, as various political factions jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Sowore’s AAC and Obi’s LP share a common desire for political reform, their differing strategies and visions for Nigeria’s future often put them at odds.
Observers say the exchange reflects a broader debate about what constitutes effective opposition in a country grappling with deep economic and social challenges.
As the political climate heats up, the ability of opposition parties to present a unified front may prove crucial in shaping Nigeria’s political trajectory in the coming years.
