Aide Reveals Reason Dangote, Other Business Tycoons Avoid Peter Obi in Public

The camp of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has recently disclosed that several of Obi’s associates in the banking and business sectors are deliberately avoiding him in public due to concerns about possible retribution from President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This unsettling information was shared by Moses Paul, an aide to Obi, during an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica.

Paul recounted a particularly revealing incident that occurred during a recent trip to Kigali, Rwanda, where Peter Obi attended a conference alongside a number of prominent Nigerian businessmen, including Aliko Dangote, one of the wealthiest individuals in Africa.

Despite their presence at the event, Paul described how some individuals, who had previously been friendly with Obi in the banking sector, intentionally distanced themselves from him. Their actions, Paul explained, were motivated by the fear of possible political or economic consequences stemming from their association with Obi, especially given his position as an opposition leader to the current administration led by Bola Tinubu.

According to Paul, these businessmen and bankers were particularly wary of being seen with Obi due to the fear that the Tinubu government might retaliate against them or their businesses. “You will not believe that people who were friends with Peter Obi in the banking sector were dodging and avoiding being seen with him because of fear of retribution from the Tinubu government against them or their businesses,” Paul stated.

He expressed his shock and dismay over this situation, particularly in the context of a modern democratic society. He further commented that such behavior was unacceptable in a country like Nigeria, which he believes should be a symbol of hope for Africa’s future.

“It’s shocking that in the 21st century, people are afraid to be seen with an opposition leader because of fear of what the government of the day will do. This shouldn’t be coming from a country like Nigeria that is the only future of the black man on the face of the earth,” Paul remarked.

The revelation sheds light on the deeply politicized and potentially dangerous environment in Nigeria, where individuals in business and other influential sectors may feel compelled to avoid aligning themselves with opposition figures.

This fear-driven avoidance of Obi highlights the growing tension between Nigeria’s political leaders and the opposition, creating an atmosphere where political affiliation can have serious personal and professional repercussions.

It raises significant concerns about the erosion of political freedoms in the country, as people are seemingly afraid to publicly support or even associate with political leaders outside of the ruling party.

Peter Obi, who finished as the second runner-up in the 2023 presidential election, behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been a strong advocate for change in Nigerian politics. His presidential campaign was largely centered around issues of economic reform, transparency, and anti-corruption, which resonated with a wide section of the population.

However, this latest incident suggests that, despite his popularity and the support he garnered during the election, the political environment in Nigeria may still be heavily influenced by the dynamics of power, with significant consequences for those who dare to challenge the status quo.

The fear of retribution and the public distancing from Obi’s camp further highlight the difficult political climate in Nigeria, where opposition figures and their supporters often find themselves vulnerable to both political and economic pressure.

This situation raises critical questions about the state of democracy in the country and the extent to which opposition parties and their leaders can freely express their views and engage with the public without facing reprisal from the government.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its political landscape, the experiences of figures like Peter Obi serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by opposition leaders in a system where political patronage and the threat of government retaliation often shape the choices and actions of those in business, finance, and other sectors.

The ongoing fear of retribution, as detailed by Obi’s camp, may have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s political and business environments, underscoring the need for a more open and democratic society where political affiliation does not come with the risk of personal or professional harm.