Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has stated that the last general election demonstrated that Yorubas do not harbor hatred towards Igbos. According to Obi, the election was not driven by religious or ethnic agendas.
Speaking after receiving the 2024 Courageous Citizen Award from the Nigerian-American Coalition for Justice and Democracy (NACJD) in Abuja on Saturday, Obi highlighted that the 2023 election showcased unity among Nigerians, transcending tribal and religious divisions.
He believed that this electoral outcome dispelled the notion that Yorubas hold animosity towards Igbos.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, emphasized that the significant shift in sentiment reflected the Nigerian people’s desire for change from the existing status quo.
He commended the unity displayed by notable figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
He clarified that the 2023 election was not limited to Christians or Igbo individuals but was a collective effort for the betterment of Nigeria as a whole.
Obi sought to challenge the perception of animosity between the Yoruba and Igbo communities, emphasizing that many individuals made sacrifices to express their desire for a new Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives during the struggle for change.
During the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi secured the third position, following Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the winner, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prior to the election, Obi gained significant support from Nigerian youths who resonated with his ideology. His followers, known as “Obidient,” come from various parts of Nigeria.
