In Nigeria’s evolving political terrain, the role of opposition has always been pivotal to ensuring democracy thrives. Opposition parties challenge the government, hold it accountable, and provide alternative solutions to the nation’s pressing issues.
Nigeria’s political system has largely been dominated by two major parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Historically, these parties have served as checks on each other, but the line between opposition and the ruling class has blurred in recent years.
Defections across party lines for personal gain, rather than ideological differences, have weakened the PDP as a credible opposition. The APC, which remains in power, has absorbed many erstwhile critics, leaving a vacuum in the opposition space.
There was no clear opposition leader throughout the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari. In fact, Atiku Abubarkar, who was expected to play that role had retreated into his cocoon in Dubai soon after the 2015 elections. The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi’s emergence as the new opposition leader therefore is essentially filling a void left by Atiku.
The Labour Party, which historically had a minimal national presence, was catapulted to the forefront during the 2023 general elections. Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State renowned for his focus on good governance and fiscal discipline, transformed the party into a formidable force. His candidacy offered an alternative to the APC and PDP duopoly, resonating with Nigerians seeking genuine change.
But will the Tinubu administration be tolerant and accommodating? Although, Obi is already hinting that his businesses and family are affected, he should bear in mind that the road ahead could be very rough.
Peter Obi recently decried the challenges of being an opposition figure in Nigeria, citing systemic hostility and personal sacrifices. Speaking candidly about his experiences during a media chat in Abuja, Obi painted a grim picture of the hurdles opposition leaders face in the country’s political landscape.
“Oppositions here are actually difficult. If I tell you what I face, what I go through, what my family goes through, you wouldn’t even believe I should still be standing and going around this country,” Obi said. “It is difficult to be in opposition in this country, extremely difficult because everything is against you. People don’t even want to see you. They don’t even want to talk to you,” he said.
Obi further explained how even casual interactions with colleagues are fraught with tension, as many fear reprisals from the government. “I see colleagues, I greet them at the airport, they don’t even want to reply because they don’t want the government of the day to see them greeting you. Your businesses, everything you’re involved in is being dismantled,” he lamented.
Despite these challenges, Obi remains resolute, emphasising his commitment to Nigeria’s progress. “I’ve made up my mind that if this is the end, so be it. We need to show more commitment to the future of our country. None of us is going to live here forever. Everybody who means well should come together to get the country to work,” he urged.
Obi had raised an alarm that some loyalists of President Bola Tinubu have threatened to kill him over his recent criticism of their principal’s mode of governance. He made this revelation in his recent post on X, alleging that his New Year message which asked President Tinubu some questions concerning the state of the nation had led to his life being under threat.
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This came few hours after Felix Morka, national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said: “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets”.
During an interview with Arise Television, Morka described Obi as an “irrational being” and slammed his public commentary. The ruling party’s spokesman also described Obi’s statement as deceptive, urging Nigerians to shun him and his recent words on the government’s performance.
Reacting in a tweet shared on Monday afternoon, Obi maintained that his words are within the armpit of the law. He wrote: “Have I really crossed the line? I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of “crossing the line” and has warned that I will face the consequences.
“I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch: If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift towards undemocratic practices.
“We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed. May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children.”
Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide and social media commentator, recently stated that Peter Obi is currently the number one opposition figure in Nigeria.
“Bar none. Anybody in any opposition party who thinks that he is bigger than Obi right now is just deluded. The man, Obi, is severely flawed, but I admire how he has trudged on despite the obstacles he faces. Some people in one or two opposition parties have already been retired by Obi, but they just don’t know it yet because their money is keeping them on political life support.
“If only he could be less Igbo-centric, appeal to his Obidients to use persuasive rather than abusive words and admit, then apologise for his ‘Yes Daddy’ ‘religious war’ comment against the Muslim Ummah, he would go far. Those are his Achilles heel. He cannot cross the rubicon without addressing them,” Omokri posted on his social media handles.
Peter Obi stands out not only because of his vision but also because of his relentless commitment to challenging the status quo. Unlike many political figures who fade into the background after elections, Obi has remained vocal about issues affecting the nation. From rising inflation to insecurity and governance failures, he has consistently offered constructive criticism of the ruling APC government.
His decision to challenge the outcome of the 2023 presidential election further cemented his position as a resilient opposition leader. Despite the odds stacked against him, Obi has maintained that his fight is not merely about personal ambition but about redefining Nigeria’s politics. His focus on judicial processes to seek redress rather than resorting to violence or inflammatory rhetoric has earned him respect among Nigerians who yearn for a more mature and principled political culture.
One of the reasons Peter Obi has emerged as the de facto opposition is his connection with the youth and the disenfranchised. His Obidient movement—largely driven by young Nigerians—has become a symbol of hope for a new Nigeria. This demographic, frustrated by years of mismanagement and corruption, sees Obi as a leader who prioritizes competence and accountability over tribal and religious sentiments.
Obi’s emphasis on economic transformation, education, and job creation resonates with ordinary Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of poverty and unemployment. His ability to communicate complex economic policies in relatable terms has further endeared him to the masses, distinguishing him from the typical political elite.
While Peter Obi’s emergence as the primary opposition is significant, it comes with its challenges. The Labour Party’s structure is still relatively weak compared to the APC and PDP, making grassroots mobilization difficult. Additionally, the political establishment views Obi as a threat, which could result in attempts to undermine his influence through legal battles or propaganda.
Moreover, sustaining the momentum of the Obidient movement will require strategic planning, alliances, and consistent engagement with Nigerians. Obi must also navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s diverse society, ensuring that his message of unity and progress appeals to all regions and demographics.
In a political environment where opposition voices are increasingly stifled or co-opted, Peter Obi has emerged as a beacon of hope for Nigerians yearning for accountability and change. His resilience, focus on governance, and ability to inspire a new generation of politically conscious citizens make him the last standing opposition in Nigeria today.
Whether or not Obi succeeds in his political ambitions, his impact on Nigeria’s political discourse is undeniable. He has redefined what it means to be an opposition leader in a system rife with compromise and self-interest, proving that principled leadership and a focus on the people can challenge even the most entrenched systems.
Born to Christian parents from the Igbo ethnic group – Nigeria’s third-largest – Obi’s background is a common one in the country’s economic elite: studies in Lagos, at Harvard and at the London School of Economics, followed by a business career including management roles in several Nigerian banks.
As an ex-banker who wants to smash through the old two-party system and reinvigorate his country with a technocratic style of politics, Obi has prompted comparisons to French President, Emmanuel Macron – who described himself as “neither left nor right”, created his own political party and swept aside the traditional vehicles of social democracy and conservatism when he took the Élysée Palace and then won a crushing parliamentary majority in 2017.
Obi became leader of the Labour Party last year. Unlike the established British party bearing the same name, it is a rather marginal party – without much political machinery nationally, nor governors with power bases in Nigeria’s states.
But “likening Obi to Macron is a mistake”, said Ladipo Adamolekun, a Nigerian public administration expert and Francophile. “Macron created his En Marche! party when France’s traditional parties were already in decline – it’s not like that for Obi.” And unlike Macron – whose sole political experience when he ran for the Élysée was a short stint as François Hollande’s economy minister – Obi is very far from a political neophyte.
Obi was governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, before standing as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate at the presidential elections in 2019. He has changed his political allegiance four times since 2022, leading to accusations of opportunism.
Obi’s critics also question his probity, since he was mentioned in the Pandora Papers in 2021. However, his supporters say he has proven his integrity with effective governance of Anambra State during his eight-year tenure there, which ended with huge savings in the state’s coffers – a compelling argument in an economy burdened by heavy public debt, corruption and avarice.
