Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, visited a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere in Lagos on Tuesday, alongside the party’s Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa.
The faction, previously led by the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, had endorsed Obi during the 2023 election, where he placed third.
According to a statement released after the meeting, the group warmly received Obi and his team.
Present at the meeting were key Afenifere figures including Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Chief Supo Shonibare, former Lagos Deputy Governor Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, General Secretary Chief Sola Ebiseni, Publicity Secretary Prince Justice Faloye, Organising Secretary Bashorun Segun Sanni, Deputy Secretary-General Alade Rotimi-John, among others.
The statement, jointly signed by Oba Olaitan and Faloye, noted that Obi expressed appreciation for Afenifere’s 2023 support and its continued advocacy for good governance. He also updated the group on current political events and his preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Discussions during the meeting covered Obi’s 2027 ambitions, national political developments, the shrinking democratic space, opposition harassment, economic challenges, and the rising cost of governance.
“Obi reaffirmed his commitment to restructuring and to Afenifere’s core principles, including education, healthcare, rural development, and full employment,” the statement said.
In return, Afenifere reaffirmed its support for egalitarian ideals and praised Obi for aligning with its vision. The group also expressed concern about threats to democracy and called on Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values.
The meeting concluded around 4 p.m. with a mutual agreement to continue consultations and collaboration.
Obi’s visit to Afenifere comes shortly after similar visits to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Olubadan-designate and former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as part of his outreach efforts in the South-West ahead of the 2027 race.
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