Lawyer urges Peter Obi to take a tougher stance

A human rights activist, Inibehe Effiong, has told Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to stop his cautious and diplomatic way of handling political issues. He believes Obi should assert his rights as a Nigerian.

Mr Effiong shared his thoughts in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday.

The lawyer was reacting to reports that political thugs stopped Obi’s visit to Benue State on Tuesday. They blocked his convoy from entering the north-central state.

This incident is the second time Mr Obi’s visit to Benue State faced disruption. Governor Hyacinth Alia had already stopped one of Obi’s proposed visits to an internally displaced persons camp in April 2025, citing security and protocol issues.

Governor Alia, who is a Catholic priest, belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He won the governorship election in the state in 2023.

Why he should stop diplomatic approach

In his post, Mr Effiong argued that Mr Obi’s political opponents keep undermining his right to move freely. He urged the NDC candidate to take a more confrontational approach to change this.

“Peter Obi’s cautionary and endlessly diplomatic approach to issues and politics is not going to deter the Tinubu regime, governors and his political adversaries who are continuously undermining his right to freedom of movement.

“At some point, he has to realise that fierce resistance and confrontation are necessary in certain circumstances to cure madness and end impunity,” he stated.

The lawyer also criticized the ruling APC, claiming they have no plans for free and fair elections in 2027.

“Anyone who believes that the APC is ready for free and fair elections is delusional,” he said.