More details have emerged of how Peter Obi’s loss at the 2023 presidential polls dashed many hopes, the result of which has been deep seated angst against the ruling party, APC, and president-elect, Bola Tinubu.
According to a top source within the Labour Party, after sidelining the Lamidi Apapa faction of the party, Peter Obi appealed to the tribalistic instinct of certain Igbo nationals including Oby-Ezekwesili and Chinamanda Adichie, assuring them that if they used their prominent positions to campaign for him, he would reward them with ministerial positions when he won.
Although the source noted that the details of the ministerial positions had not been finalized, Peter Obi’s silky assurances and primordial tribal attachments sealed the deal for both Nigerians.
It will be recalled that excepting occasional literary excursions and public denigrations, Chimamanda Adichie had done her best to stay away from Nigerian politics until her recruitment by Peter Obi with assurances of great rewards—rewards which he still assures her are possible against all odds. This led her to pen her anti-sovereignty letter to the president of the US, Joe Biden, a feat for which she has been roundly upbraided. Notably, Peter Obi has kept mute to disguise his afflictions with her.
Interestingly, the source explained that it was easier to persuade Oby-Ezekwesili who, having once held a top position in government, could easily reignite interest in a presidential cabinet position. Moreover, her personal bias against the APC was an added bonus for her, despite her sanctimonious stance against the government. She has also therefore being considerably upset by Peter Obi’s loss.
Indeed, the source concluded, Peter Obi has made so many promises to so many people, both on social media and off, that he has no choice but to contest the elections at the court and give his supporters further hope where he himself has none.