Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday paid a visit to a faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, at their office in Lagos.
Obi was joined by the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
They were received by factional leaders, including Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Chief Supo Shonibare, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, and Chief Sola Ebiseni, among others.
In a statement co-signed by Oba Olaitan and Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, the group confirmed that the meeting involved extensive discussions on the state of the nation and Obi’s political plans for 2027.
Obi thanked Afenifere for their support during the 2023 election and reaffirmed his commitment to key issues such as restructuring, education, healthcare, rural development, and full employment.
“There were wide discussions ranging from Peter Obi’s candidacy in the 2027 presidential elections to the state of the nation, including harassment of opposition voices, threats to democracy, the economic crisis, and governance costs,” the statement said.
Afenifere’s leaders restated their support for equity, justice, and national prosperity.
They expressed appreciation for Obi’s alignment with their values and voiced concern over the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.
The meeting wrapped up with both parties pledging further collaboration and continued engagement.
Afenifere, originally founded in the 1950s under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has long been a key voice in Yoruba and national politics, known for its progressive ideals and advocacy for federalism.
However, deep divisions have plagued the group in recent years. One faction, led by the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo, backed Peter Obi during the 2023 elections.
The other, under Pa Reuben Fasoranti, supported President Bola Tinubu.
Tensions heightened after the election, with Adebanjo’s group insisting that Obi won, a claim Fasoranti dismissed as illegitimate.
By 2025, the rift had solidified, with both factions ruling out reconciliation.
