Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi is reacting to comments credited to Chief Bisi Akande over the 2020 #EndSARS protest.
Akande – a former governor of Osun State and political partner to President Bola Tinubu claimed that supporters of Peter Obi, known as Obidients, orchestrated the protest to derail Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by broadcaster Edmund Obilo, Akande alleged, “The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi.“
Akande further stated, “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America.”
Obi’s Aide Responds
In response, Peter Obi, responding through his media aide, Umar Ibrahim, criticized Akande’s comments, calling them misleading and insensitive to those who lost their lives during the protest.
“The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President,” Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim described the Obidient Movement as a grassroots phenomenon driven by Nigerians committed to creating a better future. He stated, “It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.“
Background on #EndSARS
The #EndSARS protests were a spontaneous response to widespread discontent among Nigerian youth over police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality.
The protests, which began in October 2020, long before Obi declared a presidential aspiration, called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and broader police reforms. The movement gained international attention and highlighted the resilience and determination of Nigerian youth demanding a more just and equitable society.
Ibrahim concluded, “To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”
Obi is seen as a likely presidential contender in the 2027 general election. The motive for the 86 years old Chief Akande’s assertion is unclear; whether it is for political expediency in support of his ally, Tinubu, or it is a simple misplacement of facts and timing of events.
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