According to a report by DAILY POST on Thursday 29 October 2026; Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned Nigerian political economist, has reacted to a viral video showing traders at Banex Plaza in Abuja chanting Peter Obi’s name as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attempted to promote President Bola Tinubu.
The video, which has generated widespread reactions on social media, captured the moment traders and marketers at the popular Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja, chanted, “Na Peter Obi we want,” during an attempt by APC supporters to put up campaign banners bearing Tinubu’s image.
The incident has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some interpreting the traders’ response as an indication of dissatisfaction with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Others, however, have argued that the reaction could be influenced by the traders’ ethnic background, rather than representing the political position of residents across Abuja.
Reacting to the footage, Utomi praised the determination of Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, declaring that they could not be intimidated.
In a post on his official X handle, the professor described the atmosphere captured in the video as extraordinary and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s political future.
“One of the beautiful things about Peter Obi is that his supporters are not the kind of people you can intimidate,” Utomi stated.
He added, “The energy in this video is extraordinary. Nigeria will definitely be OK in 2027.”
Utomi’s comments have added to the political discussions surrounding Obi and his supporters as attention gradually shifts towards the 2027 presidential election.
Obi, the former Anambra State governor who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, attracted significant support from young Nigerians and other voters who rallied behind his campaign for political change.
The Obidient movement has remained an influential feature of Nigeria’s opposition politics, with supporters continuing to express their views on governance, economic conditions and the country’s political direction.
The incident at Banex Plaza has also renewed conversations about the APC’s efforts to promote Tinubu’s re-election bid and the potential challenges facing the ruling party as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.
Although the video has generated speculation about the popularity of the different political camps, the reaction of traders at the market does not necessarily reflect the voting intentions of Abuja residents as a whole.