Monday, October 5, 2026

Tinubu’s inauguration as president, blackmail won’t dampen my spirit: Obi

“I didn’t start this race hoping it will be over in a year. We are in a battle with an entrenched establishment. We are in a long battle.”

• May 29, 2023
Peter Obi speaking with Bola Tinubu
Peter Obi speaking with Bola Tinubu

Peter Obi of the Labour Party has assured his supporters that the inauguration of Bola Tinubu as president on May 29 will not discourage him from having the latter’s victory nullified.

“I assure you, what will happen tomorrow (Monday) will strengthen me and not dampen me,” Mr Obi disclosed this in a Twitter space chat with his supporters, anchored by @parallelfacts on the eve of Mr Tinubu’s inauguration when asked if he felt discouraged in his quest to overturn Mr Tinubu’s victory at the tribunal.

“I didn’t start this race hoping it will be over in a year. We are in a battle with an entrenched establishment. We are in a long battle,” the Labour Party candidate in the last presidential election explained. “Even me, I know that the journey ahead is tough; they will make allegations, blackmail and all sorts of things, but I am ready.”

The ex-Anambra governor added, “What we have done in the past one year is not the end. It is not the beginning or the last chapter.”

Mr Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar (PDP) are contesting the victory of Mr Tinubu in court.

Messrs Abubakar and Obi came second and third, respectively, in the poll. The latter, egged on by his vociferous supporters, has been more assertive in reclaiming his “stolen mandate.”

Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu’s inauguration as president is underway in Abuja. He takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari, whose eight-year reign was characterised by vehement criticisms of his mishandling of the economy, ethnic issues and corruption.

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