Renowned Nobel Prize Winner, Prof Wole Soyinka, has voiced his concerns about Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, and advised against his participation in the next presidential race.
In an interview with Noble Nigeria, Soyinka criticized Obi and his team, stating that they lack the competence required to govern Nigeria, citing their behavior during the previous election as evidence.
Soyinka further accused Obi of being behind orchestrated online attacks by supporters known as the “Obidients.”
These individuals, particularly active on social media platforms, targeted Soyinka and other prominent figures who questioned the Labour Party’s campaign. Soyinka expressed disgust, describing the actions as manufactured and orchestrated.
Soyinka said, “It has to do with education. I didn’t read all these (insults by Obidient Movement) but of course, some links were sent to me, especially when facts were ‘being manufactured.’
“When I read these things, I was disgusted. There’s no other word for it. I really was disgusted and I know that it was orchestrated.
“I know that there is a relay mechanism, which is triggered into action by those who control what we call the trolls of the Internet, and so my disgust and contempt”, He Said.
The Nobel Laureate highlighted the need for education and expressed his disappointment in political leaders who encourage such behavior and attitudes among the youth.
He emphasized the consequences of sowing seeds of discord and stated that those who engage in such actions will eventually face the repercussions.
Soyinka stressed that no one on Earth can prevent him from speaking the truth as he sees it and proclaimed his indifference towards attempts to silence him.
He deemed it disheartening to witness aspiring political leaders endorsing such behavior, particularly in a diverse society like Nigeria, where unity is crucial.
According to Soyinka, such actions demonstrate incompetence in leading a multi-textured nation comprising different religions, ethnic groups, and worldviews.
Concluding his thoughts on Obi’s candidacy, Soyinka expressed his hope that Obi refrains from expressing interest in the next election.
He firmly believes that Obi’s conduct and the encouragement of such conduct among his followers prove his unsuitability to lead the country.
