Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, recently addressed a statement by Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who had declared Peter Obi as unfit to lead Nigeria.
In a discussion on Arise TV, Baba-Ahmed contended that Soyinka’s apprehension stems from the potential positive changes that Peter Obi could bring to Nigeria. He stated, “Prof. Wole Soyinka, a respected elder statesman, is prematurely apprehensive about the beneficial impact Peter Obi could have on Nigeria. He fears that his principal’s reign of poor governance is nearing its end. Soyinka’s current actions are merely a diversion.”
Baba-Ahmed expressed his decision not to engage in a dispute with the Nobel laureate, instead choosing to offer prayers for him. He added, “Intellectual prowess does not grant the right to insult anyone. I recall Soyinka’s derogatory remarks about the late General Sani Abacha, which were unwarranted.”
When questioned about why Obi has not taken steps to prevent the ‘Obidients’ from attacking Soyinka, Baba-Ahmed responded, “Neither Peter Obi nor I have the ability to control the Obidients. Peter Obi took a risk without safety measures, and he faced the consequences. Therefore, it is not Peter Obi’s duty to control the Obidients; it is Wole Soyinka’s responsibility to uphold his own respect and dignity.”
In a previous interview, Soyinka had alleged that Obi incited his followers, known as ‘Obidients’, to launch online attacks against him and others who held differing views during the run-up to the 2023 presidential election.
When asked about his opinion on the movement, Soyinka responded, “It’s a matter of education. I was repulsed when I read the insults by the Obidient Movement, which were sent to me via links, particularly when they began fabricating facts. I am certain that it was a coordinated effort. I know that there is a relay mechanism, controlled by what we refer to as internet trolls, which triggered my disgust and contempt.”
