Arise TV Host, Rufai Oseni Challenges Peter Obi’s Candidacy, Questions Calls for Others to Step Down
During a segment on the Arise News Morning Show, host Rufai Oseni sparked a debate over the political strategy surrounding Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, questioning the perceived reluctance of the former governor to face an open primary contest.
Oseni posed a sharp hypothetical, suggesting the prevailing sentiment could ultimately lead to calls for other major candidates, including Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Former president Goodluck Jonathan, and even President Bola Tinubu, to step down in favour of Obi.
“A lot of people have asked what is wrong with Peter Obi competing in a local campaign? Can’t he go ahead and face Atiku in an open primary election?” Oseni queried. “People are just saying Peter Obi wants everything to be done for him… and he just emerges.”
Responding to Oseni, a guest on the show, Mr. Keni, defended Obi, arguing that political attacks and maligning a quality candidate are not new, drawing historical parallels to figures like Obafemi Awolowo and even biblical references.
Mr. Keni refuted the inclusion of Bola Tinubu in the discussion of candidates who should step down, stating, “It is illogical to add Tinubu to the fray or to the table… I don’t believe he’s one,” referring to a criterion of leaders who prioritize “the compassion and the pulse of the people.”
Mr. Keni acknowledged that Obi had offered explanations regarding the financial controversies, which he suggested should be considered sufficient.
The segment concluded with Oseni noting that the guest’s point had been established.
During a segment on the Arise News Morning Show, host Rufai Oseni sparked a debate over the political strategy surrounding Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, questioning the perceived reluctance of the former governor to face an open primary contest.
Oseni posed a sharp hypothetical, suggesting the prevailing sentiment could ultimately lead to calls for other major candidates, including Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Former president Goodluck Jonathan, and even President Bola Tinubu, to step down in favour of Obi.
“A lot of people have asked what is wrong with Peter Obi competing in a local campaign? Can’t he go ahead and face Atiku in an open primary election?” Oseni queried. “People are just saying Peter Obi wants everything to be done for him… and he just emerges.”
Responding to Oseni, a guest on the show, Mr. Keni, defended Obi, arguing that political attacks and maligning a quality candidate are not new, drawing historical parallels to figures like Obafemi Awolowo and even biblical references.
Mr. Keni refuted the inclusion of Bola Tinubu in the discussion of candidates who should step down, stating, “It is illogical to add Tinubu to the fray or to the table… I don’t believe he’s one,” referring to a criterion of leaders who prioritize “the compassion and the pulse of the people.”
Mr. Keni acknowledged that Obi had offered explanations regarding the financial controversies, which he suggested should be considered sufficient.
The segment concluded with Oseni noting that the guest’s point had been established.
