Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general elections, has endorsed the planned nationwide protests over the current economic hardship. Youths across the nation are planning to protest between August 1 and 15 against the rising cost of living and economic difficulties.
Following a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Sunday, Obi expressed his support for the protests, emphasizing the need for them to be conducted lawfully. He urged security agencies to respect the rights of protesters, noting that peaceful protest is a globally recognized right.
Obi stated, “Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is that those who are protesting do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law. Everybody knows that things are difficult. When they talk about sponsors of the protest, I always say the sponsors are very simple. It’s hunger and hopelessness among the youth, so we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through.”
He further called on security agencies to manage the situation appropriately, saying, “We should not strive to be over-bearing. It should be something that we will do within the law. There is nothing wrong. Protest is allowed globally. People also protest in my house. It is for us to listen to those who are protesting. Why are they protesting? Engage them. That is what governance is all about. There is nothing wrong with that. I was Governor for years and people protested.”
This marks the first time Obi has publicly stated his position on the protests.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had previously linked Obi to the protests, alleging that Obi’s supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria. Obi responded by issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to Onanuga to apologize, threatening a defamation lawsuit if he failed to comply. Through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, Obi demanded that the apology be published in four national newspapers and on Onanuga’s verified X handle.
Obi’s counsel described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to demean and embarrass their client, causing significant harm to his reputation and emotional well-being. They stressed that Obi has a long record of law-abiding and constructive engagement in both private and public life and that he abhors violence.
In response, Onanuga refused to apologize, challenging Obi to meet him in court.
