Protesters Boo Peter Obi for Bringing El-Rufai to Owerri | Imo State Politics
The Nigerian political space never lacks drama, and the latest episode unfolded in Owerri, Imo State, where protesters openly expressed their disapproval of Peter Obi for attending an event alongside former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The incident has sparked heated debates across social media, mainstream news, and local communities, with many asking: Was Obi’s decision a political miscalculation, or a step towards building bridges?
The Owerri Incident: Protesters’ Anger Unleashed
On Saturday, September 7, 2025, Obi and El-Rufai arrived in Owerri to attend the Odenigbo Lecture Series, hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri at Assumpta Cathedral.
Instead of a warm reception, they were met by hundreds of protesters chanting war songs and carrying placards. Some of the placards reportedly read:
“Stop deceiving us, Peter Obi”
“El-Rufai is an enemy”
“We don’t want you in Imo State”
The protesters accused El-Rufai of harboring anti-Igbo and anti-Christian sentiments, citing alleged human rights abuses and insecurity during his tenure as Kaduna governor.
Why Was El-Rufai’s Presence So Controversial?
El-Rufai has long been a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics. Critics from the South-East accuse him of being indifferent to the plight of Christians and ethnic minorities in Kaduna State.
Bringing him to Owerri a stronghold of Igbo political sentiment was seen by many as a betrayal by Obi, a politician who had positioned himself as the voice of the marginalized.
Security Intervention at Assumpta Cathedral
Reports confirmed that heavy security presence prevented protesters from blocking Obi and El-Rufai from accessing the cathedral. Despite the tension, the Odenigbo Lecture went ahead as scheduled, but the incident left a bitter aftertaste in the minds of many attendees.
Fallout: Has Obi Lost Support in the South-East?
Several protesters voiced strong disappointment:
By identifying with an enemy of Ndigbo, Obi has also made himself an enemy. Ndigbo will never take him seriously again, one protester declared.
This sentiment raises important questions: Could this incident dent Obi’s massive grassroots support in the South-East? Or will it blow over as political noise in Nigeria’s ever-dynamic political climate?
Related Political Developments in Imo State
Interestingly, El-Rufai had also met with African Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholders earlier that day in Imo State, including notable figures like Professor Batos Nwadike and Chief Mike Nwachukwu.
This suggests that El-Rufai may be seeking new political alliances beyond the North, possibly testing waters for future national relevance.
Obi’s Health Update
Adding another twist, Peter Obi later announced he would suspend public engagements for two days after feeling unwell in Enugu. His media team confirmed he had consulted with doctors and was advised to rest.
This has sparked additional speculation about Obi’s fitness for future political campaigns.
What This Means for Nigerian Politics
This episode highlights three key points:
1. Public Perception Matters: In a region where trust and identity politics run deep, aligning with controversial figures can trigger backlash.
2. Bridge-Building or Betrayal? Obi’s move might be an attempt to foster inclusivity across political divides or a major miscalculation.
3. El-Rufai’s Next Moves: His presence in Owerri suggests he’s not done with national politics.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Obi?
The Owerri protests might just be a passing storm or they could mark a turning point in Peter Obi’s political journey. As Nigeria heads toward future elections, this incident will likely remain a reference point in conversations about alliances, trust, and the role of controversial figures in national politics.
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