Omoyele Sowore explains why he cannot align with Peter Obi in a political coalition, citing ideological differences and unique approaches to Nigeria’s challenges.
Omoyele Sowore, who ran as the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, recently explained why he did not join forces with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate.
During his appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast, Sowore claimed that Obi resembles other Nigerian politicians but is “better at packaging.”
Sowore highlighted that his political journey started well before Obi became a national figure, underscoring his commitment to pushing for systemic change in Nigeria.
In the podcast co-hosted by Nedu, Husband Material, Deity Cole, and Ezinne, Sowore emphasized his commitment to challenging the status quo. He believes this approach significantly contrasts with Obi’s method.
Sowore mentioned that he was already in the presidential race before Peter Obi gained recognition. He remarked on all the excitement surrounding Peter Obi, suggesting it’s simply about good presentation and implying anyone could achieve it.
Forming a coalition with Peter Obi would contradict my long-held principle of never supporting Nigerian leaders who have previously held political office at any level—federal, state, or local—if I consider them to be non-performing.
That’s the same reason I would never have joined forces with Atiku. Also, Peter Obi, whom you mentioned, was a vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku when I ran for president in 2019.
“What are we discussing here? In my view, there’s no such thing as a lesser evil. Evil is simply evil, and good is just good. I generally have little patience for lack of performance.”
He stated that the concept of “emotional attachment” doesn’t exist in his view.
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“A friend of mine often said he didn’t mind if Peter Obi is Igbo because it’s the Igbos’ turn. However, for me, it’s more than that; my natural aversion to poor performance plays a big role,” he explained.
Sowore emphasized that, although many might be unaware, he was acquainted with Obi before and during his tenure as governor and supported him.
I had always supported him and opposed his removal when Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to replace him with Andy Ubah during those complicated times.
When Peter Obi completed his term in Anambra, I asked him if he would be willing to send his child to any of the universities he established there. He was unable to respond and remained silent.
I also inquired whether he would feel comfortable entering any hospital that he constructed during his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra, even for a minor headache. There was no response to this question either.
Sowore challenged the four anchors, or any other Nigerians for that matter, by asking if they could pack their bags and head to Anambra for a vacation.
It was reported that President Bola Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress, garnered 8,794,726 votes in the 2023 presidential election. He was followed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party with a total of 6,984,520 votes.
In third place, Obi from the Labour Party received 6,101,533 votes, while Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party obtained 1,496,687 votes.
