Human Rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned what he described as a coordinated attack by supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidient group, leading to the disabling of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore’s Facebook page.
Writing on his social media pages on Sunday, Adeyanju described the move as “shameful” and undemocratic, saying it reflects an intolerance for opposing voices.
He wrote: “It is disappointing that Peter Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient group, ganged up to report Omoyele Sowore’s Facebook page simply because he keeps speaking the truth about their candidate,” Adeyanju stated.
“This shameful move led to the disabling of Sowore’s page. This is not democracy. If you truly want a better Nigeria, you don’t silence opposing voices.”
He further criticized Peter Obi’s record as former governor of Anambra State, claiming it was riddled with failures in governance and unresolved human rights issues.
His words: “Let’s be honest: Obi’s time as Anambra governor was full of failures. Doctors went on strike, education suffered, and he refused to hold local government elections.
“The killings of MASSOB members under his watch remain unresolved. Yet, his supporters work hard to paint him as a saint. He moved from APGA to PDP, then to Labour Party, showing he has no clear ideology.”
Adeyanju also accused Obi’s supporters of trying to “wash his image” while attacking dissenting voices like Sowore, who he described as a consistent voice for justice and truth.
“These attacks by Obidient supporters, supported and sanctioned by Peter Obi himself, are aimed at hiding the truth. Nobody hates Peter Obi. What we oppose are the lies and image-washing by his followers,” he stated.
He concluded by warning against the cult-like nature of political followership and stressed the need for accountability in Nigerian politics.
“We won’t let politics become a cult. Nigeria deserves truth and accountability,” he said.