Political commentator and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has sharply criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him and his supporters, popularly known as the Obidients, of turning against prominent Nigerian leaders and creating a hostile political climate that undermines the South-East’s presidential ambitions.
​Speaking on Sunday, October 18, 2026, during a featured broadcast interview, Sowunmi argued that the aggressive online and offline posture of Obi’s movement has alienated crucial regional allies necessary for building a winning national coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sowunmi asserted that political leaders must take responsibility for guiding their followers, noting that a general bears significant responsibility for managing his troops.
He further emphasized that the persistent irritation generated by the Obidient movement across the political landscape has rendered them the single biggest obstacle to achieving an Igbo presidency.
​Highlighting the mechanics of Nigerian democratic elections, Sowunmi maintained that presidential power cannot be seized through online hostility or antagonism. He urged political actors from the region to realize that power must be negotiated through consensus and cross-regional bridges.
He cautioned that continuous attacks by Obi’s supporters on key public figures, traditional institutions, and statesmen across the North and South-West risk burning essential bridges required for national political cooperation.
​The remarks generated immediate reactions across political circles. Dr. Josef Onoh, former spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council, responded by characterizing Sowunmi’s stance as flawed, contending that the South-East does not need to apologize to lead Nigeria and that democratic engagement should not be constrained by online rhetoric.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Obidient movement countered that their vocal criticism stems from public frustration with systemic governance failures, denying that their advocacy is tribal or counterproductive to building national coalitions.
At the time of reporting, Peter Obi and his media office have not issued a formal statement in response to Sowunmi’s comments.
