International journalist and former supporter of the Obidient Movement, Donu Kogbara, has shared her thoughts on the current state of the opposition in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to Kogbara, Peter Obi is no longer living up to the expectations he set during his campaign.
Kogbara explained that while Obi was initially an inspirational figure who garnered widespread support from Nigerians, especially in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, his reputation has taken a significant hit in the post-election period. She expressed concern over the noticeable decline in his influence and effectiveness as an opposition leader.
Reflecting on recent political developments, including high-profile defections from the Labour Party, Kogbara likened the party to a sinking ship. She noted that politicians within the party are now focused on their survival, further compounding the crisis within the opposition.
During an interview with Arise News, Kogbara acknowledged Peter Obi's qualities as a good person. However, she criticized his inability to maintain the strong opposition leadership that had previously earned him widespread admiration, particularly among Nigerian youths and intellectuals during the election campaign. She stated that many former supporters of the Obidient Movement have become disillusioned with Obi’s performance post-election.
In her words, “Well, rats have always deserted sinking ships, so the Labour Party should say bye-bye to those five lawmakers. They’re entitled to do what they want if it’s within the ambit of the law, which I’m not even sure it is. But for me, the Labour Party is clearly in crisis. We had all that drama around their chairmanship and the traitor, who was on the take from outside elements.
“I just can’t bear people who lack honour. So, there was that whole crisis and then there were other things that made it difficult for Labour Party to function as a proper party. But the thing that depresses me most is not so much what the senators and House of Representatives people do; it is Peter Obi himself.
“I just don’t understand how somebody who was this sparkling inspirational figure, who created a movement almost overnight, galvanized the youths, the intellectuals, anybody who had any iota of principle in their bloodstream, at least admired him to some extent even if they weren’t necessarily going to vote for him for whatever reason, has gone from top to bottom.
“As far as I’m concerned, he’s like a firework that has turned into a damp squib. He’s become so prosperous. All I see is him making anodyne statements here and there on television, donating boreholes or whatever. It’s all good stuff. He’s still a good guy but where is the leader that the opposition needs so desperately? He’s not looking like it.”
Kogbara expressed disappointment not just with Peter Obi but with the entire opposition movement in Nigeria, including Atiku Abubakar. She pointed out their collective failure to effectively challenge the administration of President Bola Tinubu, leaving a void in strong opposition leadership.
She also held the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, responsible for the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, her strongest criticism was reserved for Peter Obi, whom she described as a major disappointment. She accused him of lacking the aggression and initiative required to hold the government accountable for its shortcomings.
“I blame the entire opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for allowing itself to be derailed by my dear friend, Nyesom Wike. By the way, I saw him a couple of months ago and I told him that ‘if I was a PDP Mandarin, I would have tossed you out by now.’ I also blame Atiku Abubakar of spending more time as a Dubai type of big man and not effectively taking on the government.
“And I blame Peter Obi most of all because Peter was a shining star and so many people committed themselves to him emotionally, myself included. I’m not Obidient anymore, to be honest with you, because he’s such a disappointment. I mean, there’s no aggression.
“The government is lousy. And pretty much the only good thing I can think that President Bola Tinubu has done is to keep herdsmen at bay because I’ve noticed there haven’t been any herdsmen shenanigans since Tinubu came in. So, I congratulate him for that if indeed it is his doing.
“But it’s kind of like, there are so many things this government is doing wrong, contracts being awarded without due process, economic collapse, rampaging inflation, widespread hunger and disillusionment and you never hear anything seriously punchy from Peter Obi,” she submitted.
Kogbara concluded by stating that Peter Obi is too mild and has failed to meet the expectations of his supporters. She emphasized that as the star opposition leader, Obi has the potential to do much more but has fallen short, leaving many Obidients, both former and current, deeply disappointed.
“He’s too mild. Yes, he’s got so much but there’s so much he could go for, and he would get so much public support if he did. I’m not just speaking for myself, I’m speaking for hundreds of Obidients, ex-Obidients or current Obidients, who are disappointed. We don’t want a weak opposition leader. He’s the star of the show. Atiku and PDP should also be doing more. But really, Peter is the star opposition player and he’s not doing well enough,” she said.
