Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has addressed remarks made by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, stating his desire for respect from younger generations when he reaches Soyinka’s age.
During an interview on Arise Television’s News programme, Obi emphasized his policy as a father not to engage in rebuttals when elders speak.
Soyinka had earlier criticized Obi, claiming he was unfit to govern Nigeria and accusing him of inciting his supporters to attack and insult him, particularly online.
However, on the sidelines of the Democracy Day celebration, Obi clarified that he has never intentionally encouraged his supporters, known as the Obidients, or younger generations to disparage anyone, whether directly or indirectly.
He said he would always want younger ones to respect him when he gets to the age of Soyinka, underscoring his stance on fostering mutual respect across generations.
Obi said: “Well, quite frankly, I will not make any comment on that. Wole Soyinka is a father. I have a policy as a father: I don’t respond when my fathers talk. I leave it to them because when I became at their age, I would want those other younger ones to respect me. Though I would try to put myself in a position where I will respect myself before that.
“But one of those he talked about is me inciting the ‘Obidients’. I assure you, I have never, and I will never, knowingly or unknowingly, ask the Obidients or the younger ones to say anything against a priest, immam or elder; it will never happen.
“I don’t make comments. It’s left for Nigerians to know whether I’m fit or not. I have been a successful businessman in the private sector. I have been in the corporate world, and I will say I am one of the most successful.
“I have also served in the state, and I ask those who attack to let us put our records and check them side by side.”
The exchange highlights the ongoing discourse surrounding leadership qualifications and intergenerational respect in Nigeria’s political landscape, ahead of the 2027 elections.