Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has countered Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s assertion that Peter Obi is not suitable to lead Nigeria.
Baba-Ahmed argued that intellectual prowess does not grant the right to disrespect anyone, recalling Soyinka’s past criticism of the late General Sani Abacha.
In a discussion on Arise TV, Baba-Ahmed reiterated his stance, suggesting that Soyinka’s apprehension stems from the potential positive changes that Peter Obi could bring to Nigeria. He stated, “The esteemed Prof. Wole Soyinka is preemptively anxious about the beneficial impact Peter Obi could have on Nigeria. He fears that his preferred candidate’s reign of poor governance is nearing its end. Soyinka’s current actions are merely a diversionary tactic.”
Baba-Ahmed expressed his intention not to engage in a dispute with the Nobel laureate, instead choosing to offer prayers for him. He further responded to a query about why Obi has not attempted to curb the Obidient members’ attacks on Soyinka. Baba-Ahmed explained, “Neither Peter Obi nor I have the ability to control the Obidients. It’s not Peter Obi’s job to manage the Obidients; it’s Wole Soyinka’s responsibility to uphold his respect and dignity.”
Soyinka had previously 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 questioned about the movement, Soyinka attributed it to a lack of education, expressing his disgust at the orchestrated insults and manufactured facts.
