Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has once again come under fire from Nigerians online after his latest political engagement with the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere.
Obi, who met with Afenifere’s leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan on 16 September 2025, also held discussions with other leaders under the Nigerian ethnic nationality umbrella comprising PANDEF and the Middle Belt Forum.
In a statement released after the meeting, Obi praised Afenifere for their “courage for always standing out for fearless justice and the unity of our country,” while urging them to continue their advocacy.
According to him, the closed-door talks focused on “the current situation in our country, especially in the critical areas of education, health and pulling people out of poverty.”
The former presidential candidate restated his vision of “an all-inclusive, united Nigeria where no part will be left behind,” ending his message with his familiar slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
However, the Facebook post triggered a wave of reactions from Nigerians, with many accusing Obi of recycling old promises without offering fresh ideas. Several commenters dismissed his statement as “empty talk,” saying they had “heard the same lines for years.”
One critical commenter wrote: “Every time Obi meets with groups, he says the same thing. Education, health, poverty — but where are the clear solutions? Nigerians are tired of hearing the same speech.”
Others argued that Obi’s message appeared more like political branding than a practical plan, suggesting that his repeated emphasis on unity and inclusivity was merely a strategy to stay relevant ahead of 2027.
While his supporters defended him, insisting that his consistency proves his sincerity, the dominant tone from many Nigerians online was skepticism, with several asking why Obi had not presented concrete frameworks to back up his words.
The debate underscores the mixed perception surrounding the former Anambra State governor: admired for his calm, reformist style by followers, but increasingly criticized by detractors who see his rhetoric as repetitive.