Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has explained why he supports former presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying his decision is based on the politician’s Igbo identity rather than what he considers evidence of intelligence.
The entertainer made the remarks in a video circulating on social media, where he openly discussed his reason for supporting Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
“I’m supporting Peter Obi for president because of tribe only. Because he’s Igbo. Not because I see the intelligence or hear the intelligence come out of his mouth,” Speed Darlington said.
His comments have attracted reactions on X, with some users praising his willingness to state his political preference openly, while others challenged his assessment of Obi.
Speed Darlington’s reason for supporting Obi
The rapper’s statement presents ethnic identity as the main consideration behind his support for Obi ahead of the next presidential election.
Rather than crediting the politician with leadership qualities, intellectual ability or policy positions, Speed Darlington said his preference was rooted in their shared ethnic background.
The comments have also reopened discussions about the role of ethnicity in Nigeria’s electoral politics, particularly the tendency of some voters to identify with political candidates based on their regional or ethnic backgrounds.
Newsflashngr reported that Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and attracted considerable support, particularly among young Nigerians and voters in the South-East.
He has remained a prominent figure in discussions about the country’s political future and the 2027 presidential election.
What Nigerians are saying
The rapper’s remarks generated different reactions from social media users, with some agreeing that voters should be honest about the considerations behind their political choices.
An X user, @OyinNAdun, praised Speed Darlington for openly acknowledging his reason for supporting Obi.
“I like this… that’s his truth and he’s allowed to own it… make them come out talk their reasons,” the user wrote.
Another user, @gbengafar, described the entertainer as straightforward and said he wished more people would openly disclose their political motivations.
Similarly, @smart_money7 argued that supporting Obi because of his ethnic background was more understandable than claiming to support him because of competence.
However, some users questioned the rapper’s position and used the discussion to criticise Obi’s supporters.
@Veracious144527 claimed that most Igbo supporters of Obi were motivated by ethnicity, although the user provided no evidence to support the assertion.
Another user, @okeyjames, referred to Obi’s previous position against ethnic voting and argued that the former governor had asked Nigerians not to support him simply because he is Igbo.
Meanwhile, Rabiu Kwankwaso has urged Cross River residents to adopt Kano’s approach to election participation and vote protection.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate boasted that election rigging would not go unchallenged in Kano State.
His comments at a town hall meeting in Cross River have sparked mixed reactions, with Nigerians discussing voter protection and election-day security.
Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has sent a strong message to residents of Cross River State, urging them to take a more active role in protecting their votes during elections.
The New Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate made the remarks at an ongoing town hall meeting in the state, using Kano as an example of how citizens can prevent electoral malpractice.
His statement has since attracted attention on social media, with Nigerians sharing different opinions about his message.
Kwankwaso explains how Kano residents protect their vote
Speaking during the town hall meeting, Kwankwaso encouraged Cross River residents to learn from the level of election participation in Kano.
He suggested that residents of his home state do not wait until election day to start worrying about protecting their votes because many people are already involved in the electoral process as agents
The former governor maintained that the level of participation makes it difficult for anyone to manipulate election results without facing resistance. Continue reading here.
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