Labour Party presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has charged his supporters to be tolerant of others’ political views and learn from their opinions.
“I sincerely thank my supporters for believing in me and my commitment to building a united, secure and well-functioning Nigeria,” Mr Obi tweeted on Sunday. “However, I appeal once more that we should be tolerant of other people’s views, dissent and divergent opinions & possibly learn from them.”
Mr Obi’s admonition comes barely five weeks after he first appealed to his vociferous supporters to stop insulting his political opponents.
The former Anambra governor, a self-confessed austere politician, commands a large and energetic following amongst Nigerian youths who see his presidential presidential ambition as an opportunity to vent their rebellion against wasteful political establishments that have been accused of frittering away the country’s commonwealth.
Hordes of Mr Obi’s online supporters have been alleged to bully people with uncomplimentary opinions about their idol.
Yet, Mr Obi, in his Sunday post urged his teeming supporters to channel all their energies positively to convince others to support his candidacy.
“While the frustration and anger in the country is understandable, we must strive to channel that energy positively in ways that will earn the support and collaboration of others,” Mr Obi advised.
“Even as our message continues to gain broad acceptance, there are some we still need to work to convince. In expressing ourselves, we should do so with grace so as not to precipitately shut doors to future collaborations on sustainable nation-building.”
Mr Obi left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the Labour Party in pursuit of his presidential ambition earlier in June.
Since then, his acceptance among youths has soared inexplicably, even reaching frightening dimensions with many professing their die-hard stance in his favour.
