A member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Afam Ogene, has reflected on the political events that followed Peter Obi’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his emergence as the Labour Party presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 election.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Ogene said many political actors underestimated the scale of public support that Obi later attracted after leaving the PDP, initially dismissing his campaign as an online-driven movement.
According to him, Obi’s message eventually resonated widely across Nigeria, transforming into a mass political movement that extended beyond social media platforms.
Ogene referenced comments attributed to former Edo State Governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly downplayed Obi’s early support base after his defection.
“In 2022, when Obi switched parties from the PDP to the LP, Oshiomhole said there were ‘only four or five men tweeting from a room,’” Ogene stated.
He said subsequent political developments, including the 2023 presidential election, demonstrated that the movement had far greater reach than initially believed, showing that political influence is not limited to traditional party structures.
Ogene added that Obi’s rise highlighted the importance of understanding voter sentiment and engaging with public concerns, noting that political trust and grassroots connection remain key factors in modern elections.
He further emphasized the role of a strong opposition in strengthening democracy and urged political actors to focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, economic hardship, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
