VIDEO: ‘El-Rufai is Ndi Igbo enemy, we don’t want you here – Protesters boo Peter Obi for bringing ex-governor to Owerri

On Saturday, a significant number of protesters expressed their discontent toward former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, due to his decision to host Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in the region.

Both political figures attended the Odenigbo Lecture Series organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri. El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, arrived in Imo State on Friday and was welcomed by the traditional ruler of Nekede Ancient Kingdom, Eze Agumanu.

While El-Rufai’s visit to Nekede did not incite controversy, his participation in a Christian event alongside Peter Obi prompted a strong reaction from the local populace.

Chanting protest songs, the demonstrators, comprising men, women, and youths, criticized Peter Obi for inviting an individual they perceive as adversarial to the interests of the Igbo people. They labeled El-Rufai as an unrepentant adversary of Ndigbo and Christians, citing his tenure in Kaduna, which they claim resulted in significant violence and the loss of innocent Christian lives.

Some of their placards read, “Stop deceiving us, Peter Obi,” “El Rufai is an enemy,” and “We don’t want you in Imo State.”

It took heavy security to restrain some of the protesters from physically barring Obi and El-Rufai from gaining entry into the Assumpta Cathedral, venue of the lecture series.

Some of the protesters expressed disappointment that Peter Obi could associate himself with someone who openly hates Ndigbo and conspired against them in national politics.

“Our respect for Obi has evaporated today. By identifying with an enemy of Ndigbo, he has also made himself an enemy,” they declared.

They said “Ndigbo will never take Obi seriously again after his open relationship with El-Rufai.”

Also, some of the leaders of Social Democratic Party (SDP) had protested earlier over a rally the former Kaduna State governor intended to organise in the state.

Key national leaders of the ADC, including El-Rufai and Obi had held a crucial meeting with Imo ADC stakeholders on Friday.

The gathering was hosted at Awaka Community in Owerri North LGA, at the residence of Chief Dr. C.J. Oparah.

The strategic session, which lasted an hour, provided a platform for dialogue on the party’s future direction and the consolidation of its structures.

Those in attendance included Prof. Batos Nwadike (Oyi of Igboland); Chief Mike Nwachukwu (Mpi Dike); Rt. Hon. Maduagwu; HRM Eze Mitchell Uchenna Egbukole (Eze Ochoronma VI) of Egbu Ancient Kingdom in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, and Mr. Nick Oparandudu, among other supporters of the ADC.