Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, has criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, for visiting former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, in Minna, Niger State. Obi had announced the visit on his X handle, describing it as an opportunity to exchange thoughts on national issues with the elder statesman.
Sowore, however, was not impressed with Obi’s visit, accusing him of hypocrisy. In a post on his X handle, @YeleSowore, Sowore referred to Babangida as a “Nigerian-ruiner” whose regime contributed significantly to the country’s challenges. He questioned how Obi could visit Babangida and still claim to want to save Nigeria.
Obi’s visit to Babangida was part of his recent itinerary, which also included a condolence trip to Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi over the recent deaths of his mother and son. Sowore’s reaction to Obi’s visit is not unexpected, as the activist/politician has consistently criticized the former Anambra chief executive.
Sowore’s criticism of Obi’s visit highlights the complex relationships between Nigerian politicians and the country’s former military leaders. While some see these visits as opportunities for dialogue and national building, others view them as attempts to curry favor with powerful elites.
The exchange between Sowore and Obi also underscores the ongoing debate about the role of Nigeria’s former military leaders in the country’s politics. As the country continues to navigate its complex political landscape, it remains to be seen how these relationships will shape the future of Nigerian politics.
