Public Affairs Analyst Sir Abu hi Anueyiagu has stated that Nigeria’s political establishment significantly underestimated Peter Obi’s strength, appeal, and influence during the 2023 presidential election, even though Obi ultimately delivered a strong performance in the contest.
Anueyiagu made the observation during an interview on Afia News on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while discussing Obi’s rise as a major political force and examining some of the circumstances that influenced the outcome and dynamics of the 2023 presidential election.According to the analyst, a number of political figures and groups discounted Obi’s prospects because they assumed he did not possess the political structure, organization, or established networks considered necessary to make a meaningful impact in a nationwide election.“When Obi was in that race, he was not given any chance.
They underrated him, they took him for granted and they even cajoled him that he had no structure. And that he was not going to make any impact.”Anueyiagu suggested that Obi’s opponents’ decision to dismiss his political relevance and underestimate the level of support behind his candidacy helped create the surprise that followed his performance at the polls.
Their assumptions, he indicated, failed to account for the enthusiasm generated by Obi’s campaign and the growing support he received from voters who wanted an alternative to the established political order.Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labor Party, emerged as a major contender, particularly among younger voters and supporters of the Obidient movement.
His campaign attracted substantial national attention, mobilized a large and highly engaged support base, and challenged the long-standing dominance of the two major political parties at the time. His showing also demonstrated that a candidate without the traditional political structure could still exert considerable influence and become a central figure in the country’s political conversation.Watch the video from stamp time 23:29 to 23:45 HERE
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