Peter Obi Has Abandoned His Own People” – LP Chieftain Ahanotu Fires

Former National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, has criticised the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of failing to establish enduring political structures and neglecting those who have supported his political journey.

Speaking during an interview on a television programme monitored by Ireporter Online, Ahanotu argued that Obi’s political career reflects a pattern of moving across different political platforms without investing in the development of strong institutions capable of sustaining long-term political influence.

According to him, effective leadership goes beyond personal popularity and should be measured by the ability to mentor followers, build resilient structures, and create systems that outlive an individual’s direct involvement. He maintained that Obi has not demonstrated these qualities throughout his political career.

Ahanotu stated that genuine leaders are remembered for empowering people and strengthening organisations, insisting that Obi has repeatedly failed to cultivate loyal structures capable of surviving beyond his personal influence. He further alleged that the former Anambra State governor often distances himself from those who have worked alongside him.

His remarks come amid renewed criticism of Obi from the Presidency following the former presidential candidate’s recent call for President Bola Tinubu to step down from office.

Reacting to Obi’s comments, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described the demand as irresponsible and inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional framework. Dare argued that Obi’s remarks reflected political frustration rather than statesmanship, stressing that Nigeria operates a constitutional presidential system with clearly defined processes for the election and removal of a president.

The presidential aide noted that elected presidents serve fixed terms and can only leave office through constitutional procedures, elections, incapacity, or the completion of their tenure. He added that Obi, having served as a governor and contested for the presidency, should possess a clear understanding of the constitutional principles governing the office he aspires to occupy.

Dare also accused the former Labour Party presidential candidate of promoting what he described as excessive pessimism and recurring narratives suggesting national decline, insisting that such rhetoric does not reflect the realities of the country’s democratic system.