Politics

How Peter Obi benefitted from youths’ anger – Aisha Yesufu

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 21st, 2024.

How Peter Obi benefitted from youths’ anger – Aisha Yesufu

Peter Obi and Aisha Yesufu

Nigerian activist and entrepreneur Aisha Yesufu remarked on Friday that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the previous year’s election, capitalized on the discontent of Nigerian youths during the 2023 elections.

Yesufu emphasized that Obi did not establish the ‘Obidient’ movement; instead, it emerged from the #EndSARS protests against the government. In a Friday post on X, she clarified that the movement existed before the term ‘Obidient’ was adopted.

She attributed the movement to the widespread anger and frustration among Nigerians, who felt marginalized by the APC government.

Yesufu explained that the supporters of Obi, termed ‘Obidient,’ were primarily youths and individuals rallying for change before the elections. Obi’s presidential bid struck a chord with many, especially the youth, who were eager to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Peter Obi tapped into the collective frustration of the populace. His presidential candidacy galvanized many who were already disillusioned, and the name ‘Obidient’ naturally followed, aligning with the common practice of naming supporter groups after their favored candidates in Nigeria,” Yesufu stated. “The movement was in motion even before the name ‘Obidient’ came into existence.”