“Why Peter Obi Isn’t a True Igbo Man, Can’t Lift Nigeria Out of Poverty” — Yul Edochie

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, questioning his leadership record and identity as an Igbo man.

In a post shared on his verified X account on Friday, Edochie said Obi does not reflect what he described as the values of the Igbo people.

“He does not have the spirit of Ndi Igbo in him,” Edochie wrote. “He’s not a leader. The true spirit of Ndi Igbo is ‘onye aghana nwanne ya’. As you rise, you lift others.”

The actor also argued that Obi’s years in public office and business have not translated into visible impact on individuals around him.

“How can you spend many years in power, many years as a successful businessman, yet nobody can say he’s successful today because of you?” he said. “You can’t even lift your family members.”

Edochie further linked his criticism to national leadership, suggesting that personal influence is a measure of broader capacity.

“If you can’t lift people around you out of poverty, you simply can’t lift Nigeria out of poverty,” he added.

Drawing a comparison with his own career, Edochie claimed that people within the film industry could attest to his role in their success.

“In Nollywood, there are people who will tell you they’re successful today because of Yul Edochie,” he said. “Not one person can say that about Peter Obi.”

Peter Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State, remains a prominent opposition figure with a strong support base, particularly among young Nigerians and in the South-East region.

Edochie is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress. As of the time of this report, Obi has not publicly responded to the remarks.