2023 Poll: Abejide Attributes Obi’s Votes to Religious, Ethnic Sentiments

 

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, has attributed the large number of votes secured by the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 general election to religious and ethnic sentiments, rather than broad national appeal.

Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, made the assertion on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

According to him, Obi’s electoral performance was largely driven by fears among Northern Christians, who believed their religious freedom would be threatened if the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, emerged victorious.

“Peter Obi got those votes mainly on religious and tribal sentiments. Many people, especially Northern Christians, felt they would be in trouble if Asiwaju became president. They believed they would not have room to practise their faith,” Abejide said.

He, however, argued that developments since President Tinubu assumed office have shown that such fears were misplaced.

“The way the President has governed has made it clear that he is not a religious bigot. He does not support extremism of any kind, whether Christian or Muslim,” he added.

The lawmaker spoke as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties exploring the possibility of alliances.

Abejide warned opposition elements against assuming that the voting pattern of 2023 could be easily replicated, noting that the political landscape has since evolved.

He cited recent comments by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, as an indication that religious leaders now hold views different from those expressed before the last election.

The lawmaker also criticised Obi’s recent voter registration exercise, questioning why the former Anambra State governor registered outside his ward.

“He is expected to register in his ward. That is the proper and recognised process. Going to a zonal office to register, especially as a politician, is strange. This style of politics is new to me,” he said.

On the ongoing discussions about a possible opposition coalition, Abejide dismissed claims that merging the votes of Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would automatically defeat the APC in 2027.

“Anyone calculating that by simply adding Atiku’s votes to Obi’s votes they will defeat the APC is only building castles in the air,” he said.

He also raised concerns about internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of the parties being considered for coalition talks.

“The ADC leadership is currently in crisis. Until the courts resolve the matter, nobody can confidently say the party is capable of defeating the APC. I will never support an ADC presidential candidate,” Abejide stated.

Despite his criticisms, the lawmaker maintained that the APC remains open to politicians willing to join the party, provided they adhere to established procedures.