Inside Modakeke

OBI OR NOTHING’ WON’T WIN NIGERIA: RETHINKING THE OBIDIENT MOVEMENT
By John Oyebanji

My perspective has changed over time, and not lightly.

Up until now, I do think VDM fans are the most delusional set of people that ever existed, little did I know that Obidients, or may I say Peter Obi's fans (from the Southeast) are more delusional.

At one point, I was fully invested in the idea of a Peter Obi presidency. I didn’t just support from a distance; I believed in the vision and actively aligned myself with it because it represented, to me, a breath of fresh air in Nigeria’s political space. But since the 2023 elections, my optimism has steadily eroded, not only because of political realities, but because of the conduct of many who claim to represent that movement.

I’ve grown increasingly concerned, not just about the candidate, but about the culture that has grown around his support base, particularly on social media.

What should have been a movement built on ideas, inclusivity, and national transformation has, in many cases, become defined by intolerance, online bullying, and ethnocentric rhetoric. Every disagreement is met with insults, I have personally experienced hostility simply for expressing a slightly different opinion, and even more troubling, with undertones of ethnic bias because I am Yoruba. That kind of environment does not build a national coalition; it fractures it.

Beyond that, I struggle to see a clear, strategic pathway to victory. Peter Obi himself hasn't helped matters. Elections in Nigeria are not won on enthusiasm alone, they require broad alliances, political calculation, and an understanding of the country’s complex realities. The “Obi or nothing” mindset, while emotionally appealing to some, is politically limiting, it's not a winning strategy. No candidate, no matter how well-intentioned, wins a national election in isolation, especially against an incumbent structure with deep-rooted machinery.

Peter Obi himself, in my view, has also made some missteps. He seems not to be calculative in his political decisions. "I am not desperate to be the President..." is one statement I don't like reading or hearing from him. His dispositions, words, and actions reek of desperation.

To be clear, this is not an endorsement of other alternatives, I am not convinced by Atiku, and I remain critical of the current administration. But at this point, I no longer hold the same confidence I once had. I have come to the difficult conclusion that Peter Obi, as things stand today, does not present a sufficiently distinct or viable path forward either.

Nigeria needs leadership that is not only credible, but also matured in political engagement, open to dissent, capable of building bridges, managing diverse interests, and winning elections in reality, not just in sentiment. Until then, many who once believed strongly will continue to watch from a distance, hoping for something better, but no longer convinced by what we currently see.

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John Oyebanji is a Public Affairs Analyst, Media/PR Specialist, and Educational Administrator, among many other things he represents. He writes from Modakeke, Osun State, and can be reached via +2349032201075, [email protected]

APC CAMPAIGN LIST SPARKS BUZZ AS MODAKEKE ELITES CLINCH STRATEGIC POSITIONS
© Inside Modakeke

A number of prominent indigenes of Modakeke have been appointed into strategic positions in the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Campaign Committee, signaling strong representation of the community in the party’s campaign structure.

The inauguration of the various subcommittees took place last Wednesday in Osogbo, the state capital.

Leading the list of notable appointees is Prof. Benjamin Adekunle Eegunranti, who has been named Chairman of the Medical Committee, while Chief Kola Olabisi will head the Print Media Committee, both positions considered critical to the success of the campaign.

Also playing significant roles are Chief Wahab Adetunji Olowo-Asalu, Alhaji (Chief) Fatai Kolawole, and Hon. Kabir Adesina, who have been appointed as members of the Contact and Mobilization Committee.

In a remarkable display of confidence, Kayode Sowade has been drafted into four key committees, namely Finance, Social Engagement, Research and Strategy, and Entertainment, highlighting his versatility and importance within the campaign framework.

Similarly, Lara Ikotun will contribute to both the Women Mobilization and Social Engagement Committees, while Hon. Ismaeel Akande joins the Research and Strategy Committee.

Other appointees include Mr. Abiodun Adeyeye (Multi-Faith Interface Committee), Mr. Lawrence Olaleke (Digital Media Committee), and Engr. Femi Olatoye (Youth, Students and Civil Society Committee).

The appointments have been widely viewed as a reflection of the growing political influence of Modakeke indigenes within the state, as the APC intensifies preparations ahead of the gubernatorial elections.



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SHOCK AS IFE EAST ANGLICAN DIOCESE BISHOP REPORTEDLY DIES OVERNIGHT
© Inside Modakeke

The Lord Bishop of the Ife East Anglican Diocese, Modakeke, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Shelemiah Oluseyi Oyelade, PhD, has reportedly passed away.

According to initial reports, the respected cleric died in the early hours of today, following a brief illness. However, official confirmation and details surrounding his passing are still being awaited.

Rt. Rev. Oyelade was widely regarded as a dedicated spiritual leader, teacher, and mentor, whose impact was felt across the diocese and beyond.

Further information regarding the circumstances of his death and subsequent arrangements is expected to be communicated by the church authorities and family in due course.



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