Sowunmi Claims Peter Obi’s Supporters Have Become Hostile to Others

Segun Sowunmi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has accused former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of making his supporters, known as Obidients, hostile towards other notable Nigerians. Sowunmi shared these views during an interview on Vanguard’s Politics Hub.

He claimed that Obi’s political movement has led to a negative attitude among his supporters, who he says now criticize and abuse public figures who disagree with them. “The problem with the Igbo agenda Peter Obi is running is that he has made his Obidients to become enemy of everybody,” Sowunmi stated.

These comments come as political parties gear up for the 2027 general elections. Sowunmi also discussed the importance of regional political influence, stressing that political power should be negotiated and that leaders must protect their interests in their areas.

He referenced the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and lamented the loss of influential figures who once represented their communities. “Those are the leaders that used to carry this weight for us,” he remarked.

Sowunmi questioned whether Yoruba political leaders should give up their influence while other groups pursue their interests. He emphasized that the Yoruba should not be expected to sacrifice their own interests for the sake of being reasonable.

He concluded by stating that political power requires negotiation and that the Yoruba have a strong history in this process, asserting, “Power must be negotiated, and the Yorubas are good at doing that.” Meanwhile, Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, continues to have significant support among young Nigerians through the Obidient movement, which remains active in political discussions.