In an Arise News interview from 3:35, veteran journalist Donu Kogbara did not hold back in her assessment of Nigeria’s opposition leadership, taking aim at Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Kogbara, known for her sharp political commentary, expressed dismay at what she described as a failure of leadership at a time when the opposition should be providing robust alternatives to the ruling government.
While acknowledging Obi as “still a good guy,” Kogbara questioned his capability to be the leader the opposition desperately needs. “Where’s the leader that the opposition needs so desperately? He’s not looking like it,” she remarked, lamenting that Obi has not lived up to the expectations set during his meteoric rise in the 2023 presidential elections.
Kogbara also did not spare the PDP, accusing the party of allowing itself to be undermined by internal distractions, particularly the influence of Nyesom Wike, who now serves in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. “If I was a PDP mandarin, I’d have tossed [Wike] out by now,” she stated, underscoring her frustration with the party’s inability to focus on effective opposition strategies.
In her critique of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate, Kogbara pointed to what she perceives as a lack of urgency and engagement. “Atiku spends more time on this Dubai type of big-man type of thing, not really effectively taking on the government,” she said, implying that the former vice president’s approach lacks the vigor required to challenge the ruling party effectively.
Kogbara saved her harshest words for Obi, who she believes squandered the immense emotional and political investment of his supporters. “I blame Peter most of all, because Peter was a shining star, and so many people committed themselves emotionally, myself included,” she admitted, highlighting the deep disappointment felt by many who had pinned their hopes on his leadership.