The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has assured popular Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti that his ‘Obidient Movement’ will base its campaign on issues rather than personality attacks.
He stated that his campaign would focus on everyday issues affecting Nigerians and Nigeria, noting that the recent controversy was not in line with the movement’s values and his ambitions.
The former Anambra governor gave the assurance during a visit to the musician, according to a video clip online. Others present during the meeting included Charles Oputa, known better as Charly Boy, among others.
“I saw what my own brother, Femi, tweeted and I said no! That is not what the future and the society we want to build.
“We will lead a campaign based on issues that affect Nigerians and that is what I encourage everybody to do,” he said while addressing Femi in the video clip.
While the detail of the visit is unknown, it may not be unconnected with the recent online squabble between the veteran musician and Obi’s supporters.
There had been reports that the musician allegedly described Obi’s supporters as “zombies”.
“How can you be Obidient in this chaos? I am not Obidient. Tell me, at 60, why am I Obidient? You said I should be Obidient, sit down, be peaceful,” he said.
“Are you all okay in this country?,” Kuti was quoted to have allegedly said during a performance at the Shrine Thursday night.
However, the veteran musician faulted the claims, saying he was misquoted and he never described the supporters as “zombies”.
In a series of Tweets on Friday, Kuti said, “You are such liars. Of what benefit is it to the people when you take my words out of context like this?
“I said I’m too angry at my age to be obedient. Expressing I do not like the ‘term’. But if Peter Obi wins and actually changes the country better for all of us
“How you all come up with fabricated lies beats me. But why all the lies? You heard me endorse him or ever anyone? Mr Mc lie lie. Yes and where did I call the youths zombies? I AM NOT BAT.”
