Reactions have trailed Peter Obi's call for his supporters to desist from insulting others during the course of campaigns.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in a tweet was referring to a comment made by the LP governorship candidate in Benue describing the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as a “deceit.”
He said on Friday, November 12 that all LP candidates must stick to issue-based campaigns and desist from name-calling and derogatory statements against others.
He said, “Nigeria has very huge problems and is currently at the risk of implosion from economic hardship and insecurity. The focus, therefore, should be on how to deal with deleterious consequences of a tanking economy, pervasive insecurity and the many other challenges that the nation is contending with rather than degenerating into name calling.
“Specifically during our recent campaign in Benue, a candidate referred to the Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, as a ‘deceit’. That is totally unacceptable to us.”
Obi further stated that everyone had their flaws and shortcomings, himself included, while adding that Ortom has always been a patriotic Nigerian.
He tweeted, “The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, remains a very patriotic Nigerian, who has always spoken for the best interest of his people and Nigeria in general. We all have our short comings, I have mine, and so do others. But we should not refer to people in such derogatory manner.
“I call on the Labour Party faithfuls, especially candidates at all levels, including my supporters to desist from name calling or derogating anyone, groups of persons or religions.
“I wish all our candidates, including myself, well in the forthcoming elections,” he added.
Nigeria has very huge problems and is currently at risk of implosion from economic hardship and insecurity. The focus, therefore, should be on how to deal with deleterious consequences of a tanking economy, pervasive insecurity,
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) November 11, 2022
We must continue to focus on running an issue-based campaign, and unite with everyone to build a new and better Nigeria.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) November 11, 2022
I wish all our candidates, including myself, well in the forthcoming elections. -PO
PO Smart or Scam? Just asking?????
— SOBamk (@sim_B_olu) November 12, 2022
The guy for back using hand to tell the journalist to stop. Don't stress baba abeg. ????????
— Ọnwa na Mbosi. (@obidigbo_united) November 12, 2022
We have had you sir and we will do as you have said but Charles Soludo and Dino Melaye dy craze. pic.twitter.com/n1oTX9fZs9
— Neo_officiall (@Neo_officiall) November 11, 2022
The issue is all about how they (other parties) gonna conduct themselves. In as much as we love progress and people with progressive minds, Nigeria is not a place to take something with a smile. You must apply vawuelence with sense. #OBIDIENTS #ObiDatti023 #Obidatti2023
— Fabulous Samuel (@emperordasam) November 12, 2022