Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, are notable figures enjoying strong followership within the Obidient community and among Nigerian youths. However, they have different stances regarding the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled from August 1 to August 10, 2024, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
Peter Obi supports the protests, emphasizing that it is within Nigerians’ constitutional rights to protest, especially in light of the severe economic hardships the country is facing. During a courtesy visit to Alex Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Obi urged protesters to maintain civility and abide by the law. He also called on the police to handle the protests lawfully and encouraged the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with the protesters. Obi stated, “Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is those who are protesting should do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us to show that as a nation, we live within the law. Everybody knows things are difficult. When they talk about the sponsors of the protests, I say the sponsors are very simple. It’s hunger. It’s hopelessness among the youths. So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through.”
In contrast, Alex Otti believes that for protests to be lawful, they must have police approval. He stressed that organizing a protest without such approval would be illegal and potentially harmful. Otti remarked, “First of all, for you to organise a protest, the law requires that you get approval from the security forces, particularly the police, and somebody should take responsibility for getting that approval. If you don’t have the approval, then, it would be against the law for you to go on the street to protest.” He also cautioned protesters to consider the broader implications of their actions, warning that protests might cause more harm than good by restricting movement and possibly inflicting additional hardship on non-protesting citizens.
Otti’s comments have elicited reactions from various quarters, including Obi followers, Labour Party supporters, and other political factions. The differing opinions of Obi and Otti on this matter highlight the complex dynamics within their political community and the broader debate on how to address Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges.