Rallies don’t win election in Nigeria – Ogunlewe

A former federal minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, has reacted to the massive rallies by supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in Lagos and in other states of the federation.

Senator Ogunlewe, who spoke on Arise TV’s The Morning Show programme Tuesday, said rallies don’t win election in Nigeria, and therefore rallies shouldn’t be the gauge for a candidate’s popularity.

He said the rallying Obidients were not more than a thousand people who were not more than the electorate needed at two polling units.

“The aerial shots are the best. Now, look at this: at best the ‘crowd’ here is not more than a thousand people which is approximately just two polling units,” he said.

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“These so called ‘one million man marches’ are mostly a gathering of traders in various Nigerian towns and cities, who close down their markets (that are heavily dominated by people of southeastern origin), to do what in the military is called a show of force.”

Ogunlewe argued that Peter Obi’s rally in the streets of Nigeria would not determine what way presidential election would swing in 2023.

He however described the rallies as great achievements, noting that the Obidient movement should not be disregarded by anyone who was politically conscious.

“The Obidient rallies at Festac and Amuwo were amazing. They are great achievements. Anyone who tries to belittle them is not politically astute. While Obi will not win in 2023, he has successfully disrupted politics in Nigeria. Well done Obi! Well done Obidients,” he added.