Nigerian political analyst and social media strategist, Japheth Joshua Omojuwa, has stated emphatically that Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, will never become the President of Nigeria.
Speaking during a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast, Omojuwa backed up his stance with reasons rooted in Obi’s political history and what he described as “compromises” and contradictions in Obi’s current political approach.
When asked whether his statement was too absolute—especially in a democratic environment known for surprises, Omojuwa dismissed the suggestion, noting that even former President Muhammadu Buhari emerged after several failed attempts.
He argued, however, that Obi remains a product of the same political system he now claims to oppose.
“Peter Obi was of the system, a beneficiary of the old order,” Omojuwa said. “He was governor of Anambra State under APGA. After leaving office, he tried to become aviation minister. That didn’t work, and he eventually became chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Omojuwa pointed out that Obi was later removed from his SEC position by the Buhari administration, and that he continued his political journey as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate under the PDP in 2019—before repositioning himself under the Labour Party in 2023.
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“He became born again politically. Under Labour Party, he emerged as a ‘new Nigerian’—a fresh face claiming to be detached from the old political class,” he said.
“He’s returned to the same structure he once condemned”
Omojuwa criticized Obi for associating again with the very political elite he previously denounced during his 2023 campaign.
“He said the old political structure was criminal. But today, he’s shaking hands with them, sitting with them, aligning with them,” Omojuwa noted. “He hasn’t just compromised; he’s gone back to where he has always belonged.”
The outspoken commentator concluded that Obi’s political maneuvers have cost him the authenticity and uniqueness that once made him attractive to the Nigerian youth and disenchanted voters.
“Even his allies have come on this same podcast and, in different ways, admitted the same thing. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result,” he added.
Peter Obi, who emerged as a surprise third-force contender in the 2023 elections, gained widespread support from young Nigerians and civil society groups. However, his loss to President Bola Tinubu and subsequent political movements have drawn mixed reactions.
As of now, Peter Obi has not responded to Omojuwa’s comments.
