Nigerian political economist Pat Utomi has weighed in on a widely circulated social media clip showing traders at a commercial centre in Abuja chanting in support of Peter Obi while members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attempted to promote their party.
The footage, which has attracted considerable attention online, captured traders and business operators at Banex Plaza, located in the Wuse 2 district of the Federal Capital Territory, expressing their preference for Obi, the former governor of Anambra State.
During the incident, several people could be heard repeatedly declaring their support for the politician with the words, “Na Peter Obi we want.” Their chants reportedly followed an attempt by APC supporters to publicise President Bola Tinubu’s campaign by displaying promotional banners around the business premises.
The encounter has since sparked widespread discussions across social media platforms, with Nigerians offering differing explanations for the traders’ response to the ruling party’s representatives.
Some commentators interpreted the development as a possible indication of dissatisfaction with the APC and its administration, suggesting that the reaction reflected broader concerns among sections of the public. Others, however, offered a different perspective, arguing that the traders’ enthusiasm for Obi could partly be connected to their ethnic background, noting that many of his supporters come from the South-East.
The competing interpretations have contributed to the online debate, with users sharing the footage and expressing contrasting opinions about its political significance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Utomi, who is known for his commentary on Nigerian politics, governance and economic affairs, joined the conversation by praising the determination displayed by Obi’s supporters in the recording.
In his response, the professor suggested that the group’s commitment to the former Anambra governor made them difficult to discourage through intimidation. He also expressed admiration for the enthusiasm demonstrated by the traders during the encounter.
According to Utomi, the passion visible in the video was remarkable, adding that the incident highlighted the strength of the enthusiasm surrounding Obi and his political movement.
In a post published on his verified account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Utomi wrote: “One of the beautiful things about Peter Obi is that his supporters are not the kind of people you can intimidate.
“The energy in this video is extraordinary. Nigeria will definitely be OK in 2027.”
His comments have added another dimension to the ongoing conversation surrounding the incident, particularly as political parties and their supporters begin positioning themselves for the next presidential election.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, attracted substantial support from young Nigerians and other groups who rallied behind his campaign for political and economic reforms. His supporters, widely referred to as Obidients, have remained active in political discussions and online mobilisation.
The Abuja market incident has consequently drawn attention to the visibility of Obi’s supporters and the different reactions political campaigns can encounter in public spaces.
However, the footage alone does not establish the political preferences of all traders in the area or demonstrate the broader level of support enjoyed by any party nationwide.
