Professor Pat Utomi, a Nigerian political economist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has praised supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi after a viral video showed traders chanting in support of Obi at Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media, captured a gathering of traders and other people at the commercial complex as an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign banner bearing President Bola Tinubu’s image reportedly encountered resistance.

Also read:10 affordable countries for international students

Some voices in the video could be heard expressing opposition to the banner, with one saying, “We don’t need Tinubu o.” Other footage and reports described traders chanting, “Na Peter Obi we want,” reflecting support for the former Anambra State governor.

Reacting to the incident on his official X account, Utomi described the energy displayed by Obi’s supporters as extraordinary and argued that the movement could not easily be intimidated.

“One of the beautiful things about Peter Obi is that his supporters are not the kind of people you can intimidate,” Utomi wrote.

He added: “The energy in this video is extraordinary. Nigeria will definitely be OK in 2027.”

The professor’s comments have added to the political conversation surrounding the incident, which has attracted mixed reactions online.

While some users have interpreted the footage as a sign of dissatisfaction with the ruling APC, others have questioned whether the response of a group of traders can fairly represent the wider political mood in Abuja.

The circumstances surrounding the banner incident remain important to the interpretation of the footage.

The video does not independently establish the political affiliations of everyone present, the reasons for the traders’ reaction or whether the gathering reflected a coordinated political position.

Banex Plaza is a prominent commercial centre in Abuja, known for its electronics and technology businesses.

The location also has a history of attracting political attention.

In January 2023, Obi visited the plaza during his presidential campaign and received a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers.

The latest incident comes as political activity gradually builds towards Nigeria’s 2027 general election, with Tinubu and the APC facing scrutiny over their record in government and opposition figures seeking to consolidate support.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, attracted considerable support among younger voters and urban communities.

His supporters, popularly known as Obidients, have remained a visible presence in Nigeria’s political discussions, particularly on social media.

Utomi has also been a vocal participant in debates over governance and political accountability.

Earlier in October, he joined criticism of the APC over the reported distribution of luxury sport utility vehicles to party youth leaders, raising questions about spending priorities amid economic hardship.

Businessday NG

Although the Banex Plaza footage has generated considerable online attention, its broader political significance remains uncertain.

The reaction of those captured in the video offers a glimpse of local political sentiment, but it does not establish how voters across Abuja or Nigeria will vote in 2027.

Also read:10 affordable countries for international students

For Utomi, however, the incident provided an opportunity to reaffirm his confidence in Obi’s supporters and their determination to remain politically engaged ahead of the next election.