Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has claimed that certain Nigerian youths he has consistently advocated for are now being paid to insult him and others working for their interests.
Obi, who served as a former governor of Anambra State, made this revelation while speaking at John Hopkins University in Washington, DC. In a now-viral video, Obi expressed his dismay over how some young Nigerians accept ₦20,000 to engage in online abuse and smear campaigns against those trying to advocate for a better nation.
He remarked, “Just N20,000”, lamenting that the very youths he has fought to defend are the same ones allegedly used against him.
Since losing his bid for Nigeria’s presidency and following the unsuccessful appeal against the 2023 election outcome, Obi has become one of the most outspoken critics of the current administration. His consistent opposition to government policies and decisions has positioned him as a significant opposition figure in Nigerian politics, earning both loyal support and fierce criticism.
Obi’s statement has sparked varied reactions across social media platforms, with Nigerians weighing in on his claims.
Yakub Tijani commented, “We all know that Peter Obi supporters are the ones trolling social media to curse people. This manipulative and dangerous man will never be the president of Nigeria.”
Anthony Ibeh expressed frustration, writing, “When you go through some comments. I don’t really Pity Nigerians. Just a bunch of Black Negroes with no direction, They deserve no pity, No kindness, Just total brutality and wickedness, deprive them of all their rights and they will adore you. That county has the most RETARDS.”
In another reaction, Oloyede said, “What did he use his own youth age to achieve for Anambra people apart from spoiling their lives with Hero beer and using their future to invest in his own family business?”
Meanwhile, a user identified as I’m Beejay tweeted in Obi’s defense, “Obi was right. Tinubu supporters, or let me say area boys, are deliberately kept poor because of the stipends being given to them on Election Day or protest period.”
Obong Goodnews also weighed in, criticizing Obi by stating, “Says the man who controls gullible and ill-mannered zombies, yet looks away & even accuses others of doing what his zombies do. But yea, his zombies aren’t paid for being ignorant, tyrannical, hypocritical zombies.”
The debate surrounding Obi’s remarks continues to trend online, with strong sentiments expressed from both supporters and detractors.
Watch the video of Peter Obi’s comments here.
