I’m Bigger Than Peter Obi — Deji Adeyanju Sparks Fresh Political Storm, Questions NDC Candidate’s Democratic Credentials

• Deji Adeyanju declares his decades-long human rights activism and sacrifices for democracy place him above Peter Obi, questioning the NDC presidential candidate’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

• The activist accuses Obi’s aides of repeatedly attacking and defaming him, claims the former Anambra governor instituted legal action against him, and insists their political differences are now mutual.

• Adeyanju dismisses the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that Peter Obi cannot significantly improve former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s electoral prospects against President Bola Tinubu.

• The explosive comments, made on MEDIA TODAY’s Politics Today, have triggered fresh political debate over activism, democratic credentials and the opposition’s prospects ahead of the 2027 polls.

August 09, () — Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has reignited political controversy after declaring that he is “bigger than” the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while questioning the former Anambra State governor’s democratic credentials, political relevance and contribution to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on MEDIA TODAY, Adeyanju argued that his decades of activism and personal sacrifices in defence of democracy far outweigh Obi’s political achievements, insisting that many politicians currently benefiting from democratic governance did not endure the hardships faced by pro-democracy campaigners.

“The things I’ve achieved in my life as a human rights activist, he can never achieve them. He has never seen the four walls of a prison, has he? Has he ever made any sacrifice for the country? Has anybody shot at him? Was he ever arrested by the military? What does he know about the democracy that he is enjoying? Does he even know what democracy is?… I’m bigger than him”, Adeyanju stated.

According to the activist, the democratic freedoms enjoyed by today’s political class were secured through years of struggle by civil rights advocates who faced arrests, intimidation and persecution in the fight against authoritarian rule.

He maintained that his legacy should be judged by his unwavering commitment to defending civil liberties, promoting accountability and confronting abuses of power, rather than by electoral success or political office.

Claims of Personal Feud, Defamation

Adeyanju also addressed questions about what appeared to be his persistent criticism of Obi, denying that it stemmed from personal animosity while insisting that the feeling between both men was mutual.

Asked whether he simply disliked the former governor, Adeyanju responded that Obi equally did not like him and alleged that several of the NDC candidate’s aides had repeatedly attacked and defamed him publicly.

“And he doesn’t like me as well. He has sent almost all his aides to insult me. Even the girl that is always with him, Sarah… all of them insulted me and lied against me. So the feeling is mutual. If you don’t like me, that’s your choice. But if you send your aides to insult me, I won’t join issues with them. I will respond to you directly because you are the principal”, he said.

The activist further alleged that Obi had instituted legal proceedings against him, describing the move as evidence that his criticisms had unsettled the former governor.

“He’s refusing to respond to me publicly, but it’s paining him now. That’s why he took me to court, and that is what I want. I’m bigger than his aides”, he added.

Responding to suggestions that he had damaged Obi’s reputation, Adeyanju insisted that he merely reacted after being allegedly defamed.

“They were the ones who defamed me. Everything I say about him is the truth”, he noted.

Dismisses Opposition’s 2027 Chances

Adeyanju also weighed in on the 2027 presidential race, dismissing suggestions that Obi could significantly strengthen former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s chances of unseating President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the opposition lacks a clear electoral pathway, arguing that Atiku’s best hope would be for Obi to substantially erode Tinubu’s support base in the South—a scenario he believes is unlikely.

“There’s no pathway for any of them. The prayer of Atiku right now is that Peter Obi should do very well in the South and defeat Tinubu in the South so that he can stand a chance. But I don’t even think Peter Obi can be useful to Atiku in the next election”, he said.

The remarks have since generated widespread reactions across political circles and social media, with supporters and critics of both men sharply divided over Adeyanju’s assessment of Obi’s democratic credentials, political influence and electoral value.

Peter Obi, the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election and former governor of Anambra State, has built his political profile around fiscal discipline, institutional reforms, transparency and economic revival. His presidential campaigns have attracted considerable support, particularly among young Nigerians seeking political change.

Political observers say Adeyanju’s latest comments reflect the increasingly combative nature of Nigeria’s political environment as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, with candidates and influential public figures facing heightened scrutiny over their records, leadership credentials and contributions to the country’s democratic development.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi and the NDC had not issued any official response to Adeyanju’s remarks.