“Peter Obi Has Joined the Structure of Criminality” — Presidency Mocks Labour Party Leader Over New Coalition

The presidency has criticised former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party leader Peter Obi over his participation in a newly formed opposition coalition, accusing him of aligning with the same political figures he once described as part of a “structure of criminality.”

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala described the coalition as a gathering of “internally displaced politicians” chasing a “dead-on-arrival mission.” He mocked Mr Obi’s decision to join forces with politicians he had previously condemned, using the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s own words to drive home the point.

“One of the members of the coalition of internally displaced politicians who are on a wild goose chase pursuing a dead-on-arrival mission, better described in the words of Peter Obi as ‘a structure of criminality,’” Mr Bwala wrote.

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Mr Obi had rejected claims that his campaign lacked structure, stating during a rally in Enugu that what his opponents had was a “structure of criminality, structure of fuel scarcity, structure of poverty.” Mr Bwala now argues that Mr Obi has abandoned those criticisms by aligning with the very people he once rebuked.

“Surprisingly, the same Peter Obi has joined the structure of criminality,” Mr Bwala added.

The presidential aide also took aim at Mr Obi’s supporters, commonly known as the Obidients, suggesting they were embarrassed by what he described as Mr Obi’s inconsistency in political affiliations. “The Obidient movement are so ashamed that after calling people names about changing political parties and direction, are seeing their very own idol demonstrating anywhere belle face; PDP-APGA-PDP-Labour-ADC,” he said.

Mr Obi recently confirmed his involvement in a coalition of opposition politicians that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election. Mr Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential race, has remained one of the most vocal critics of the Tinubu administration, consistently calling for a leadership rooted in competence and integrity.