Edo Election: Peter Obi Should Focus on Liberating His People, Not Wasting Energy on Nigeria’s Corrupt System – Obidigbo

Dr. Chike Obidigbo, President of the Osisioma Foundation, has reiterated his advice to Peter Obi, urging the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate to redirect his efforts away from Nigerian politics. Obidigbo’s remarks come in the wake of controversy surrounding the recent Edo State governorship election, which saw mixed reactions over Obi’s endorsement of Olumide Akpata, a candidate accused of breaching zoning arrangements in the state.

Obidigbo, a close friend of Obi, revealed that he has long encouraged the politician to focus on other areas, particularly youth development, instead of remaining entangled in the country’s political system. He expressed disappointment in the political climate, which he believes is hostile to individuals like Obi who are committed to doing things the right way.

Reflecting on the state of the nation, Obidigbo lamented the systemic injustice faced by the Igbo community, criticizing Nigeria’s political elite for ignoring the Southeast’s rightful turn in power rotation during the 2023 presidential election. He questioned why critics of Obi’s recent political decisions remained silent when it was clear that political fairness should have favored the Southeast in 2023.

“Nigerians should have united to ensure that all major political parties recognized the Southeast’s turn to produce the President, just as they did for the Southwest in 1999,” Obidigbo stated. He further criticized the political imbalance, highlighting how the Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest have all dominated Nigeria’s leadership positions over the years.

Obidigbo argued that the Nigerian system has become unjust, and the continued marginalization of the Igbo community calls into question the very foundation of the union. “If Nigeria has become a rogue nation with no respect for the rule of law, fairness, and equity, then it is time to review the union,” he said, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.

The elder statesman also condemned the silence of Southeast politicians, accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of their people. He pointed to the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as an example of how Igbo voices have been suppressed for standing against injustice.

“The maltreatment of Kanu, simply for speaking out, is a clear indication of the hate and conspiracy against the Igbo,” Obidigbo remarked. He criticized the Nigerian government for its disregard for the rule of law, suggesting that Kanu’s agitation for a referendum stems from the long-standing grievances of the Igbo people.

Obidigbo also linked the outcome of the Edo election to a broader message for Peter Obi, suggesting that the current political climate is not conducive to the kind of nation-building efforts Obi represents. “As a longtime friend, I urge Peter Obi to stop wasting his energy trying to fix a system so entrenched in corruption,” Obidigbo declared.

He concluded by urging Obi to focus on the liberation and advancement of the Igbo people, noting that his talents and influence would be better spent in service of his own community rather than trying to reform a system that seems ungrateful and resistant to change.