The Proposed Visit of Peter Obi To Edo State In June 2024: A Leader’s Inconsistency

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, built his campaign on the mantra “we no dey give shishi,” emphasizing his commitment to politics untainted by monetary influence. His advocacy for zoning and regional equity resonated with many Nigerians, earning him a loyal following, “The Obidients.” However, his recent decision to visit Edo state to campaign for Barr Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate in Edo state’s governorship election scheduled for September 2024, whose emergence during the primaries was allegedly plagued by wide spread corruption and monetary influence, raises questions about his leadership and consistency.

The Labour Party primaries in Edo state, held in February 23, 2024, were marred by allegations of corruption, manipulation, and a lack of adherence to zoning principles. Despite having six aspirants from Edo Central, out of the total eight aspirants that participated in the primaries, the party failed to zone the ticket to that region, sparking accusations of injustice and unfairness. The primaries were tainted by allegations of delegate manipulation, corruption, and the use of foreign currency to influence the outcome.

Apart from the above issue, the Labour Party in Edo state is said to be embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis, and Peter Obi’s silence on the matter has raised eyebrows. The incumbent executive committee (exco) led by Mr. Kelly Ogbailor has been accused of operating unconstitutionally, despite their tenure having expired. While some members were elected at past convention, to herald their ascension to office, others were appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC).

In a bid to address the crisis and prepare for the upcoming election, the NWC dissolved the exco and appointed a caretaker committee led by Rt. Honorable Elizabeth Ativie. The caretaker committee was tasked with preparing the party for the September election, organizing a convention and reconciling with aggrieved members who had decamped due to the previous exco’s actions amongst others.

However, both the dissolved exco and the caretaker committee continue to operate simultaneously, with the party’s candidate openly defying the NWC’s directive. The candidate has refused to recognize the caretaker committee, instead opting to work with the dissolved exco. This brazen disregard for the NWC’s authority has further exacerbated the crisis.

Peter Obi’s decision to campaign for the candidate in Edo state, despite the ongoing leadership crisis, has sparked criticism. His silence on the matter and failure to address the party’s internal conflicts have raised questions about his leadership and commitment to democratic principles. The “Obidients” who expect more from their leader, have decided to support the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr.(Barr.) Asue Ighodaro due to his inaction which could damage his reputation as a champion of good governance.

By campaigning for the candidate who emerged from this flawed process, Obi compromises his own principles and undermines his credibility. His silence on the allegations of corruption and manipulation in the LP primaries contradicts his stance on similar issues in the presidential election. This double standard damages his reputation as a leader who stands for something greater than personal ambition.

Obi’s inconsistency is striking, particularly in Edo state, where zoning and regional equity should be upheld for a people (Edo Central senatorial zone) who have not had access to governance in 24 years making other political parties to concede their ticket to the zone except his party, the Labour party. His willingness to overlook corruption and manipulation for political gain erodes trust in his leadership. The “Obidients” deserve better from their leader.

In conclusion, if Peter Obi who is quoted to have said that “You can only be excellent when the process through which you emerged was excellent” takes a decision to campaign for a candidate who emerged from a tainted process, characterized with litigation, despite his own advocacy for fairness and decency, he would have betrayed his supporters’ trust. His inconsistency and duplicity cast doubt on his leadership, and he should reconsider his stance to maintain credibility and integrity for which he is widely known and stand for.