Journalist and CEO of Njenje Media, Mazi Tochukwu Ezeoke, has compared the Peter Obi movement currently rocking Nigeria’s political scene to that of former American president Barack Obama when the latter appeared on the American political landscape in 2008.
Mazi Ezeoke made the comparison when he featured as a guest on the online news programme 90MinutesAfrica hosted by Rudolf Okonkwo and Chido Onumah on Sunday, June 26. The London-based journalist said the Peter Obi phenomenon is comparable to that of Obama because both men are different from the established politicians, spoke differently and connected with the young voters in their respective countries.
“Peter Obi has distinguished himself over the years. People see him as a man who speaks from the heart, and they admire his simplicity unlike the politicians that overrun everyone on the road with their convoys.
“So, Nigerian youths are beginning to have that connection by saying if we look at all those asking for our votes Peter Obi is different. He is not a saint, but he is a man that can be considered different from the rest,” Mazi Ezeoke stated.
Since Peter Obi declared his interest to contest the 2023 general election there has been a groundswell of support especially among youths who refer to themselves as “OBIdients.” Talking about the “OBIdient.” movement, Mazi Ezeoke explained that “the political class will not support Peter Obi because they know it won’t be business as usual. So, the movement is coming from the grassroots, the downtrodden.”
“People are printing their own t-shirts with Peter Obi stickers. These are things that before now politicians will print and give to people. But the people are now saying no, we will print and wear by ourselves because we believe that with Peter Obi we will eventually have a better Nigeria.”
Mazi Ezeoke said the challenge facing Peter Obi will be how to sustain the movement and translate it into votes on election day.
“The impediment that Peter Obi will face is the status quo which does not want him to succeed because they prefer things to remain the old way.
“But his chances are getting brighter everyday. From Edo to Adamawa and all over the country, the youths are organizing and making sacrifices for the Peter Obi campaign.
“But the challenge will be how he can sustain the momentum and guide the people to the point where they will come out and vote. That is the greatest challenge. But if that is done then we’ll see a new thing happening in Nigeria in 2023,” the journalist stated.
