Moses Paul, an aide to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has opened up about why some of Obi’s former associates in the banking and business sectors are avoiding him in public. According to Paul, the fear of retribution from President Bola Tinubu’s administration is driving business leaders and prominent figures to steer clear of the opposition leader.
In a revealing interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Paul recounted an incident in Kigali, Rwanda, where Aliko Dangote and other high-profile Nigerian businessmen were present. Despite their past associations with Obi, several individuals from the banking and business world deliberately avoided any interaction with him during the event. Paul emphasized that these actions were motivated by a deep concern that associating with Obi could lead to punitive measures from the current government, impacting their businesses and personal careers.
“It’s shocking that in the 21st century, people are afraid to be seen with an opposition leader because of fear of what the government of the day will do,” Paul remarked. He pointed out the troubling reality that such fear exists in Nigeria, a country that he believes holds immense potential for the future of Africa. Paul’s comments shed light on the growing climate of political tension, where the lines between business and politics seem to blur, and the repercussions of political affiliations can extend into the economic sphere.
This revelation serves as a stark reminder of the state of political dynamics in Nigeria, where the repercussions of opposing the ruling government can be far-reaching, even for business magnates. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the story of business leaders distancing themselves from Obi highlights the influence of political power over the country’s business landscape.