Renowned Afrobeat singer and political commentator, Seun Kuti, has stirred a heated conversation online following his recent comments comparing the leadership competence of Omoyele Sowore and Peter Obi.
The outspoken musician shared his views during a live video session with fans, where he didn’t hold back in expressing his political opinions.
While lamenting the worsening state of affairs in Nigeria, Seun criticized the tendency of some political actors to wear the guise of reformers while perpetuating systemic injustice. He cautioned Nigerians against blindly trusting public figures without scrutinizing their track records and ideologies.
During the interactive session, a fan posed a direct question: who is more competent between Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and perennial presidential hopeful known for his radical activism?
Seun’s response was emphatic and blunt.
“Sowore is more competent than Peter Obi,” he said. “In fact, even the person asking this question is better than Peter Obi.”
His statement has since gone viral, igniting passionate debates across social media platforms.
Mixed Reactions Trail Seun Kuti’s Remarks
As expected, Seun’s assertion triggered a flurry of reactions, with many Nigerians taking to the comment sections to either support or criticize his views.
@chi_chi_maria, an Igbo supporter of Sowore, commented:
“Y’all need to stop with the tribalism. I’m Igbo and I support Sowore because his ideology makes sense. He’s been calling for real reform for years but was ignored. Peter Obi had years in office, yet didn’t deliver real structural change. Now he’s selling the same sweet talk. Wake up.”
@AMADIOHA01 suggested bias in the media narrative, writing:
“The South West will not stop coming for Peter Obi, both individually and through the media. Seun spoke about Fulani herdsmen terrorists, but people like @OneJoblessBoy would rather amplify Obi slander than address the killings, probably because they feel safe.”
@folamiyi, a former Obi supporter, shared a more nuanced take:
“They won’t listen. I voted Obi last election but noticed he’s not a career politician, just an opportunist. When Tinubu was in opposition, he built structures and influence with intention. That’s how he became president. Obi hasn’t shown that kind of political strategy.”
Background: Seun Kuti’s History of Political Criticism
Seun Kuti, the son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, is known for his unfiltered political commentary and criticism of the Nigerian elite. He has consistently maintained a stance of anti-establishment activism, often calling out what he describes as the hypocrisy of political actors, including those hailed as progressive.
His support for Sowore is not new. Seun has in the past praised the activist’s dedication to revolutionary politics and grassroots mobilization, especially in his relentless demand for system-wide reforms.
In contrast, Seun has expressed skepticism about Peter Obi, whom he accuses of representing the same political class that has failed the country over the years — despite his reputation for frugality and reform.
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Divided Opposition
The growing divide between different camps within Nigeria’s opposition particularly between Obi's supporters and other progressive voices reflects deeper ideological rifts over what constitutes real change. While Obi’s camp continues to tout his clean image and technocratic background, critics argue that mere charisma and anti-corruption rhetoric are not enough to dismantle Nigeria’s entrenched political system.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, debates such as this are expected to become even more intense as Nigerians search for a truly transformational leader.
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