Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a poignant social media critique, F S Yusuf, a prominent political activist with a substantial following, has taken a principled stand against what he perceives as compromising values for political expediency.
With over 512,000 followers on his platform, Yusuf, a fervent supporter of Peter Obi and the Obidient movement, recently voiced sharp disapproval of Obi’s endorsement of Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State.
Truth Live News gathered that Yusuf’s criticism stems from his belief in the paramount importance of equity and fairness in political engagements rather than blind allegiance to party affiliations. He articulated his disappointment, stating, “So your concern is not for Edo people to get good governance, your concern is for Peter Obi to win Edo State in 2027 whether Edo people suffer or not.”
Central to Yusuf’s argument is Edo State’s political landscape, which he claims favors zoning and principles over partisan politics. He emphasized, “Edo State is big on zoning. The people of Edo know this fact 100%.” This assertion underscores his conviction that political representation should align with local sensitivities and aspirations, prioritizing competence, fairness, and equity.
Yusuf’s commitment to these ideals is unwavering, as evidenced by his history of advocating for them within the political sphere. He pointedly criticized the Labour Party for what he sees as a betrayal of zoning principles in Edo Central, alleging that the party’s executives disregarded local interests by awarding the gubernatorial ticket to the highest bidder rather than a candidate from the region.
Earlier this year, Yusuf had publicly articulated these principles when he and like-minded individuals protested within the PDP, demanding that the party adhere to zoning norms. When their demands were not met, he and his supporters followed Peter Obi to the Labour Party, where they believed their principles would be better respected.
Looking forward, Yusuf remains resolute in his stance, asserting, “If Peter Obi gets on the ballot again by 2027, we are all out for him and there is nothing anyone can do about it!”
This declaration reveals his unwavering commitment to supporting leaders who embody the values of fairness, competence, and equity that he holds dear.
F. S. Yusuf’s outspoken criticism serves as a reminder of the enduring clash between political pragmatism and principled governance. His critique challenges both leaders and voters to prioritize values over expediency, suggesting that true leadership requires adherence to principles even in the face of political pressures. As political landscapes continue to evolve, voices like Yusuf’s are crucial in advocating for integrity and accountability in governance.
It is evident that Yusuf is friendly and has no grouse with Peter Obi or his ambition in 2027 but has prioritized Obiâs candidacy above the Labour Partyâs move for power in less than 90 days time.
His major drive seems to be calling Peter Obi and the obidients in Edo to stand for equity, fairness and competence which was their moral compass in 2023
The key question remains: Will supporting Olumide Akpata of Labour Party cost Peter Obi his 2027 claim for presidency?
