Former Aviation Minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode has faulted those claiming that supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, are only on social media.
According to Fani-Kayode, Obi supporters, who refer to themselves as ‘Obidients’, are everywhere, in all sectors, and not only on social media, adding that they have ideas and vision.
He stated this in an article titled ‘Who are these Obidients’? he urged the big political parties to humble themselves and take Obi supporters more seriously, warning that the earlier big political parties make necessary concessions and “try and abate their (Obidients) rage and rising angst the better it will be for us all.”
Some members of the ruling APC and major opposition Peoples Democratic Party have been describing Obidients as only being active on social media.
But differing from them, Fani-Kayode wrote, “I see them amongst my staff and amongst those that regard themselves as being amongst the oppressed and downtrodden. I see them amongst the professionals and those that are bankers, lawyers, doctors, and artists.
“I see them in the North, West, East, and South. I see them everywhere and not only on social media.
“I see them as being a very powerful and potent rising force which, if properly managed, will develop into a major political power over the next few years with a strong ideological and electoral foundation and massive structures.
“That is the potential that they have and that is how dangerous they can be. The sooner those of us that are in the larger political parties get off our high horses, display a little humility, try and understand their mindset, reach out to them, take them more seriously, appreciate their anger, restore their hope, make the necessary concessions and try and abate their rage and rising angst the better it will be for us all.
“They may not have today but if we do not play our cards right, they may end up having tomorrow.”