Supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, have hit back at Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following his criticism of Obi’s recent comments at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of making “disparaging remarks” about Nigeria during his lecture, defending President Bola Tinubu’s administration and touting Tinubu’s poverty alleviation efforts during his tenure as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007.
“Mr. Obi contributed to the increase in poverty in Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Governor Tinubu, as he then was, was responsible for lifting millions out of poverty. So, who has the moral standing to criticise whom?”
The comments sparked immediate backlash from Obi’s supporters, popularly known as “Obidients,” who dismissed Sanwo-Olu’s remarks as baseless and politically motivated.
“We’re not surprised,” wrote Uzozie Johnson on Facebook. “This is how you evil APC politicians slammed Davido for speaking the truth about this country. You hate hearing the truth — but the truth must be told.”
An X user identified as *Anambra’s 1st Son* (@UchePOkoye) delivered a blistering rebuke, referring to Sanwo-Olu as a “transient placeholder” who, in his view, lacks the credibility to weigh in on national discourse.
“Sanwo Baby, it is not wise for a transient placeholder to be part of the political conversation in Nigeria,” he wrote.
The online exchange highlights the enduring tensions between the opposition and ruling party figures, as well as the deep divisions in public opinion surrounding Nigeria’s political leadership and future.
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