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By Oscar Okhifo
Abuja-based lawyer and rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has declared that he would rather vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections than support Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if the opposition coalition fields him as its flag bearer.
Adeyanju, who spoke on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Friday, insisted that his stance is not borne out of loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but out of deep concerns about the intolerance he said is being displayed by Obi’s supporters, popularly known as “Obidients.”
“God forbid that I support APC. But if the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote Tinubu,” Adeyanju said, stressing that the attitude of some of Obi’s followers has been undemocratic and dismissive of divergent opinions.
The activist accused many Obi supporters of labelling critics as “enemies of Nigeria” or alleging that they were “paid” to oppose him. According to him, such behaviour does not encourage a culture of tolerance necessary for democracy to thrive.
His concern reflects what other Nigerians have also raised in recent times. Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and several public commentators had similarly frowned at the mob-like behaviour of Obi’s supporters, with some openly calling on Peter Obi to rein in his followers and caution them against online harassment and abuse of dissenting voices.
Adeyanju also touched on his long history of political activism, recalling how he was arrested and prosecuted several times, and almost charged with terrorism during his campaigns for democracy.
He argued that Obi and his movement had not made comparable sacrifices in the struggle for democratic freedoms.
The rights campaigner is currently in a legal tussle with the former Anambra State governor, who recently threatened to sue him over alleged defamatory remarks. Adeyanju, however, said he is ready to meet Obi in court.
On his voting history, Adeyanju clarified that he does not vote based on party loyalty but on conviction. He recalled supporting Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and 2015, and Omoyele Sowore in 2023.
Adeyanju’s statement comes at a time when opposition leaders, including Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and David Mark, have teamed up under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form a coalition aimed at unseating Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The activist’s blunt position underscores the growing tensions within the opposition camp, even as it seeks to present a united front against the ruling APC.