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@PeterObi Why Peter Obi Faces Attacks from Both APC and Atiku’s Supporters
In the turbulent arena of Nigerian politics, Peter Obi has become a lightning rod for attacks from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), popularly identified with the “Agbado” slogan of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the loyalists of Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The reason for this dual assault is rooted in the disruptive force Obi represents, the embarrassment he caused to entrenched political powers, and the way his rise has unsettled both camps’ ambitions.
1. The APC Angle: Lagos as Tinubu’s Stain
For APC supporters, the bitterness traces back to Lagos State, the political fiefdom of Tinubu. Peter Obi’s victory in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election struck a deep nerve. Tinubu has long been revered by his followers as the political “Lord and Savior” of Lagos, and losing the state to Obi was more than a political upset, it was a humiliation, a dent in his carefully crafted image of invincibility. This stain remains a painful reminder that Tinubu’s dominance can indeed be challenged.
Adding to this, there is the widespread perception both in Nigeria and abroad that Peter Obi actually won the 2023 election, or at the very least, came much closer to victory than official results suggested. The APC is acutely aware of this sentiment, which explains why they have unleashed an endless stream of propaganda machinery to discredit Obi and the Obedient movement. Every attempt to undermine him is essentially an attempt to erase that stain and protect Tinubu’s fragile legacy.
2. The Atiku Camp: Spoilt Chances and Shattered Ambitions
On the other side, Atiku Abubakar’s supporters have their own grievances. Many of them, often dismissed as political jobbers, are furious with Obi for what they perceive as sabotaging Atiku’s chances of finally clinching the presidency. By pulling a massive portion of the electorate—particularly the youth and voters in the South-East, South-South, and North-Central—Obi disrupted the traditional PDP base. To Atiku loyalists, Obi is the spoiler who dashed their hopes of political appointments, contracts, and relevance.
Their anger is not necessarily about principles or policies; it’s about lost opportunities. Stripped of Obi’s votes, they believe Atiku would have stood a better chance against Tinubu. Without that victory, many of them remain politically idle, waiting for crumbs that will never come. Their attacks on Obi are, therefore, less about ideology and more about personal survival in Nigeria’s patronage-driven political culture.
3. Why the Dual Attacks Persist
The combined hostility from both APC and Atiku’s camp underscores just how much Obi has unsettled the system. He represents the nightmare of Nigeria’s political establishment: a credible alternative who exposed their weaknesses, challenged their dominance, and gave voice to millions who were previously apathetic or resigned to the status quo.
For APC, Obi is the stain they cannot wash off. For Atiku’s supporters, he is the thief who stole their meal ticket. For the Obedient movement, however, these attacks are proof that Obi is reshaping the political order.
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s unique position facing fire from both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP illustrates the depth of the disruption he has caused in Nigeria’s political landscape. His Lagos victory remains a scar on Tinubu’s dominance, while his pull among the masses destroyed Atiku’s last shot at power. That both sides continue to attack him is not a sign of weakness but of his growing influence. Obi has shifted the conversation, and as long as he remains relevant, the establishment on both sides will keep trying to pull him down, proof that he has truly unsettled the old order.
Authored by Joseph Khan (@JosephKetyl )
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