Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Femi Otubanjo, has criticised the campaign appeal of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, arguing that Obi lacks the oratorical strength required to effectively sell his political vision to Nigerians.
Otubanjo made the assessment while discussing the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where he also questioned what former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Obi were offering Nigerian voters beyond their established political identities and support bases.
According to Otubanjo, Nigerians should critically examine the substance of the opposition candidates’ campaigns and what they are presenting to voters.
“You should ask yourself: what is Atiku selling to Nigerians? Credibility, performance, ethics, or morality? The answer is nothing,” he said.
He similarly questioned the political proposition being offered by Obi.
“What is Peter Obi selling beyond the fact that he represents the aspirations of the Southeast for the presidency?” Otubanjo asked.
He argued that the campaigns of the opposition figures appeared insufficiently compelling to him, describing them as “bland.”
Otubanjo's strongest criticism was directed at Obi's communication style.
“When you listen to Peter Obi speak, his delivery is flat and he unfortunately lacks the oratorical power to sell his vision,” he said.
The professor's assessment focuses on political communication and campaign presentation, rather than necessarily disputing Obi's policy proposals.
Obi has continued to build a national political profile since his emergence as the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, where he finished third behind Atiku and eventual winner Bola Tinubu.
While acknowledging that President Bola Tinubu may not necessarily possess exceptional oratorical qualities either, Otubanjo argued that Tinubu has something he believes distinguishes him from some of his potential challengers: a long history as a political actor.
“Tinubu may not have that either, but he has a proven record as a political force in Nigeria,” he said.
Otubanjo's reference to Tinubu's political strength points to the president's decades-long involvement in Nigerian politics, including his tenure as governor of Lagos State and his role in building political networks that have contributed to his influence nationally.
The comments come as Nigeria's political parties and presidential aspirants increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
With Tinubu seeking another term and opposition figures including Atiku and Obi expected to remain central to the political contest, debates over leadership experience, policy credibility, campaign communication and voter appeal are likely to intensify.
Otubanjo's comments add another dimension to that debate, suggesting that beyond policy promises and regional support, candidates must also demonstrate the ability to communicate their ideas effectively and build a compelling political narrative for the electorate.
His remarks have already generated discussion on social media and political platforms, with supporters of the various contenders likely to interpret his assessment differently.
Comments
Post a Comment