A concerned Nigerian, Lawrence Ibe, has written an open letter to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, following Tuesday’s reported incident in which Obi was prevented from entering Benue State.
Ibe criticised Obi’s response to the incident and urged him to adopt a tougher approach to political challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, Ibe said, “Mr. Peter Obi, stop trying to be a nice man and a coward. Stop being a cry baby. That era is gone.”
He argued that there was no place for the notion of being a “nice man” in politics, adding, “There’s no such thing as a ‘nice man’ in politics. Stop pretending to be one.”
Ibe further questioned why Obi appeared to be intimidated by political opponents, saying, “It’s shameful that everyone is intimidating and matching on you anyhow.”
He also asked the former Anambra State governor whether his reaction to the Benue incident reflected how he intended to defend his votes in 2027.
“Why are you crying on TV. Is this how you plan to defend and fight for your votes in 2027?” he asked.
Ibe also called on the NDC to develop stronger political structures and support systems in states where Obi could face opposition.
He said, “If, as of today, the NDC doesn’t have standby thugs in Lagos, Benue, and other hostile states, then you have no business contesting.”
He argued that Obi’s reported decision to leave the area raised questions about his preparedness to confront stronger political opponents.
“That a common governor can stop you from entering Benue, and you capitulated to Jos, how will you match and stand up to Tinubu when he roars? Because he will,” Ibe stated.
Ibe maintained that Obi, as a Nigerian citizen, had the right to travel freely within the country without seeking permission.
“You are a free born Nigerian citizen with rights to enter anywhere in this country at any time without permission from anyone. But you run,” he said.
He further urged Obi to reconsider his presidential ambition if he was unwilling to build what he described as adequate political protection for his campaign.
Ibe concluded with a blunt warning: “It’s thugs for thugs, violence for violence. Nothing more. Cry babies don’t become president.”
