Peter Obi
PicNews
A rights group has strongly condemned Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, over what it described as his alleged involvement in anti-Lagos mobilisation. The group accused Obi of encouraging actions and rhetoric that could undermine the peace, unity, and stability of Lagos State, stressing that such moves were capable of sowing division among residents of Nigeria’s commercial capital. According to the organisation, Lagos, being a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and ethnicities, should be protected from political agendas that attempt to exploit differences for personal or partisan gain.
The group alleged that Obi’s recent political activities and engagements had been framed in ways that suggested he was subtly encouraging resentment against the leadership and structures in Lagos. It warned that such a strategy, if unchecked, could breed ethnic tension and polarisation in a state that has historically served as a unifying hub for Nigerians from all backgrounds. The organisation insisted that no individual, regardless of political standing, should fuel sentiments that might jeopardise the fragile harmony in a cosmopolitan state like Lagos.
While acknowledging the right of every citizen to participate in politics and express opinions, the rights group emphasised that leaders and influential figures bear greater responsibility in the way they communicate with their supporters. It maintained that Obi, given his stature and following, must avoid statements or mobilisation tactics that could be misinterpreted as targeting Lagos or its governance. The group urged him to embrace a unifying message that promotes inclusiveness rather than one that risks fanning divisive narratives.
The rights group also called on security agencies and civil society organisations to closely monitor political activities that could threaten peace in Lagos and other parts of the country. It stressed the importance of preserving Lagos as a safe space for all Nigerians to live, work, and thrive without fear of political or ethnic intimidation. According to the group, maintaining the stability of Lagos is not just about protecting the state but also safeguarding the nation’s economic nerve centre.
In its final remarks, the organisation advised Peter Obi to redirect his influence toward fostering national cohesion, constructive dialogue, and issue-based politics. It noted that his popularity and political relevance should not be tied to activities that may deepen suspicion among Nigerians, but rather to actions that build bridges across regions and strengthen democratic values. For the group, condemning Obi’s alleged anti-Lagos mobilisation was a necessary step in warning against any attempt to destabilise the delicate balance of Nigeria’s most diverse state.
