Moses Paul, an aide to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, revealed the reasons behind the public avoidance of Obi by some of his former associates from the banking and business sectors.
According to Paul, the fear of retaliation from President Bola Tinubu’s administration has led many of Obi’s former colleagues in these industries to avoid any public association with him.
Paul shared these details during an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica. Reflecting on an incident in Kigali, Rwanda, he described how prominent Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, alongside other top businessmen and bankers, distanced themselves from Obi.
“There was an occasion when I travelled to Rwanda with Mr. Peter Obi. Alhaji Aliko Dangote was in Kigali to hold a conference alongside lots of top Nigerian businessmen and bankers,” Paul recalled.
He continued, “You will not believe that people who were friends with Peter Obi in the banking sector were dodging and avoiding being seen with him because of fear of retribution from the Tinubu government against them or their businesses.”
Paul expressed shock over the situation, emphasizing the negative impact it has on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
“It’s shocking that in the 21st century, people are afraid to be seen with an opposition leader because of fear of what the government of the day will do. This shouldn’t be coming from a country like Nigeria that is the only future of the black man on the face of the earth.”
