Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate from last year’s general elections, has endorsed the planned nationwide protests over the current economic hardships.
Youths are organizing protests from August 1 to 15 against the rising cost of living and economic difficulties.
After meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Sunday, Obi emphasized that protesters must act within the law. He also urged security agencies to respect legal boundaries, noting that protests are globally recognized as a legitimate form of expression.
The former Anambra governor said: “Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is that those who are protesting is to 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.
“What I will say to the security agencies is that they should ensure they manage the situation again within the law. 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 is the first time Obi has publicly stated his stance on the protest.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, had accused Obi of being linked to the protest, claiming that Obi’s supporters were planning chaos in Nigeria.
In response, Obi issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Onanuga to apologize, threatening a defamation lawsuit if he failed to do so. Through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, Obi demanded a public apology to be published in four national newspapers and on Onanuga’s verified X handle #aonanuga1956.
Obi’s counsel described the accusation as a “calculated plot” to damage and humiliate their client, causing significant harm to his reputation and emotional well-being. They noted that the allegation spread widely on social and mainstream media, tarnishing Obi’s hard-earned reputation.
The counsel emphasized that Obi strongly opposes violence and has a long history of law-abiding and constructive behavior in both private and public life.
Onanuga, however, refused to apologize and challenged Obi to take the matter to court.
