Okpebholo Takes Fresh Swipe At Peter Obi, Calls Him A ‘Baby Politician’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as a “baby politician,” questioning his political experience and influence.

Okpebholo made the comment during an interview with Symfoni TV, where he dismissed Obi’s political standing and recounted an encounter involving the former Anambra State governor during a visit to Edo State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Edo governor claimed that he had previously asked Obi to inform him before visiting the state but was unaware of his presence during the visit in question.

Okpebholo recalled that the only occasion he saw Obi in Edo State was during a church service held following the death of an archbishop. He said he did not realise Obi was present until he later watched a video of himself delivering a speech at the event.

The governor explained that he noticed Obi responding with “amen” while he was praying, interpreting the gesture as an acknowledgment of his political standing.

“The other time I told him (Peter Obi) if he is coming to Edo, he should let me know but you are the one telling me now, I didn’t know.

“The only time I saw him in Edo, he came and was in the church when the archbishop died. I didn’t know that he was there until I was watching the video where I was making a speech and I saw that while I was praying he was saying amen.

“So he is already acknowledging a stronger politician. These are baby politicians and I don’t talk about baby politicians,” Okpebholo said.

In a related development, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Campaign Council, has denied reports alleging that he insulted Peter Obi.

Tanko described the claims circulating on social media as fabricated stories allegedly intended to damage his reputation and create friction between him and his former political principal.

His denial was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Mark Adebayo, Chief Media and Communications Adviser to the Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council.

Tanko, who previously served as Obi’s political adviser and coordinated the Obidient Movement, maintained that he had no reason to insult the former Anambra State governor, insisting that their relationship ended on good terms.

“I can never insult His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi. We parted ways peacefully and with absolute mutual understanding. Politics is about vision and service, never about bitterness or personal attacks,” he said.

He added that he was confident Obi would disregard the allegations because of the mutual respect they shared.

Tanko also expressed appreciation to the former Anambra State governor for the opportunities he had given him during their time working together.