Veteran journalist Donu Kogbara has publicly apologized to Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, for her candid remarks during a recent interview on Arise TV.
Kogbara, in a reflective opinion piece titled “I Am a Born-Again Obidient,” explained that her comments were driven by a deep-seated desire to see Obi succeed in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
In the Arise TV interview, Kogbara described Obi as “a disappointment from top to bottom,” clarifying later that her criticism stemmed from frustration as a devoted supporter. “I see Peter Obi as a good man who needs to adopt a more confrontational approach in dealing with government bullies,” she said. “I only criticized him because I want him to succeed and rescue this country.”
Kogbara highlighted Obi’s widespread appeal, noting his victories in major cities across Southern Nigeria, including Lagos, traditionally seen as Tinubu’s stronghold. She referred to Obi as a “superstar adored by millions of Nigerians.”
In the same breath, Kogbara criticized Atiku Abubakar, the other key opposition figure and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, for a perceived lack of assertiveness. She expressed concern that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite what she called “incompetence and repeated mistakes,” could win the 2027 elections unless the opposition adopted more dynamic strategies.
Kogbara urged both Obi and Atiku to emulate activists like Dele Farotimi, whose fearless confrontation with the ruling elite has earned him national admiration, even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
Her remarks underscore a broader call for unity and bold action among opposition leaders to prevent Nigeria from devolving into a one-party state.
