Supporters of Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, have come under fire over a fundraiser launched ahead of the politician’s 64th birthday on July 19.
The initiative, spearheaded by members of the Obidient Movement, is aimed at raising funds for what they described as a birthday rally to celebrate the former Anambra State governor.
In a joint statement issued by Yunusa Tanko, Nana Kazaure, Morris Monye and others, the group said the fundraiser would support logistics, branding, security, media outreach, volunteer kits and charity activities including borehole projects and orphanage visits.
“Four designated accounts have been opened to receive donations from members of the public and Obidients across Nigeria and abroad,” the statement said.
“We have put mechanisms in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the funds.”
The organisers also stressed that the move was not initiated by Obi himself but by loyal supporters inspired by his values of good governance, justice, and charity.
However, the initiative has drawn mixed reactions on social media.
While some praised it as a show of love and continued political engagement, others criticised it as unnecessary and ill-timed, especially given the economic hardship in the country.
“Peter Obi is a millionaire, but secretly wants birthday support contributions to double as an indirect campaign of his desperation to be president,” one X user wrote.
“If you people want to do birthday, do it. Stop adding borehole, orphanage, etc. If you people want to cash out, cash out in peace,” another critic posted.
Some supporters of the former governor also accused key figures in the movement of attempting to profit from Obi’s name, with a few demanding full disclosure of how previous funds were spent.
Responding to the backlash, Dr Yunusa Tanko told critics to separate sentiment from facts.
“This is not Peter Obi’s initiative. It is purely Obidients coming together to say they want to mark his birthday with a rally. It also includes borehole drilling, visits to orphanages, and other charity projects which are in line with how Peter Obi marks his birthdays,” he said.
Although Obi has not commented on the fundraiser, organisers say he is aware of the plans and has given his approval.
