Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has vehemently opposed Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, cautioning him against vying for the presidency in the upcoming elections.
In an exclusive interview with Noble Nigeria, Soyinka didn’ t mince words as he scrutinized Obi’ s capabilities, deeming him and his team unfit to steer Nigeria’ s ship, primarily based on their conduct during the preceding election cycle.
Soyinka levied serious allegations against Obi, accusing him of orchestrating a cadre of online trolls, notoriously dubbed the ‘ Obidients’ , who were actively engaged in defaming not only Soyinka but also other prominent personalities critical of the Labour Party’ s campaign strategies. These ‘ Obidients’ were particularly notorious on various social media platforms, with their vitriolic attacks permeating cyberspace.
Expressing his dismay, Soyinka remarked, ” It’ s a matter of education. While I didn’ t delve into all the insults hurled by the ‘ Obidient Movement’ , I was apprised of certain instances, especially when misinformation was rampant. Upon reading these diatribes, I was utterly repulsed. There’ s no sugar- coating it. I found it utterly repugnant, and it’ s apparent to me that it was a premeditated effort. “
He further elucidated on the orchestrated nature of these attacks, attributing them to a well- oiled machinery controlled by individuals steering the course of online discourse. Soyinka’ s disappointment was palpable as he lamented the propagation of such deleterious behaviors, especially by those aspiring to occupy leadership roles in the nation’ s political landscape.
Soyinka’ s critique didn’ t end there. He delved deeper into the ramifications of such conduct, foreseeing dire consequences for those who sow seeds of discord and animosity. Drawing from a biblical analogy, he warned of an impending reckoning for those who fail to grasp the gravity of their actions.
Expressing his skepticism towards Obi’ s presidential aspirations, Soyinka fervently hoped for the nation’ s sake that Obi refrains from throwing his hat into the ring. For Soyinka, Obi’ s failure to rein in his supporters’ disparaging behavior serves as damning evidence of his ineptitude to helm the nation’ s affairs.
Conclusively, Soyinka’ s scathing remarks underscore a broader concern regarding the moral and ethical compass of political aspirants and their ability to foster unity and inclusivity in Nigeria’ s diverse socio- political landscape. His call for introspection and accountability resonates as a clarion call for all stakeholders vested in Nigeria’ s future.
