- Viral video shows Peter Obi linking street begging to Islamic culture.
- Obi recounts a conversation in Indonesia about almajiri and education.
- Remarks spark accusations of religious bigotry from critics.
- Past leaked audio resurfaces amid fresh controversy.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again stirred nationwide debate after comments he made about Nigerian Muslims surfaced online. In the viral video, Obi appeared to suggest that begging is “part of Islamic culture,” a statement that immediately triggered criticism and accusations of insensitivity.
Speaking at an event, the former Anambra governor said he recalled questioning Indonesian leaders during an official visit about why the country despite having the world’s largest Muslim population had no almajiri children or street begging culture similar to what is seen in parts of Nigeria.
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“In Indonesia, I met everyone, from ministers to the vice president and even the president,” Obi narrated.
He continued: “So I asked the president, ‘Why don’t you have children begging on the streets? Isn’t it part of Muslim culture?’”
Obi said the Indonesian president responded by emphasising the role of education: “Why would they be begging? They are educated. Educate your people and they become productive.”
Obi also recounted visiting the Sultan’s residence, where he was surprised to see statues of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. When he asked why such Christian symbols were displayed in the home of a Muslim leader, he said he was told simply: “It was a gift, and it is a good statue.”
The former governor then questioned why Nigeria’s social and religious environment differs so sharply from countries with similar religious demographics.
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The resurfaced video has intensified long-standing criticism of Obi from those who accuse him of harbouring religious bias. The backlash also revived the 2023 leaked telephone conversation published by the Peoples Gazette, in which Obi was heard appealing to Bishop David Oyedepo to help rally Christian voters, describing the presidential election as a “religious war.”
Although Obi has insisted the audio was manipulated, phrases such as “yes daddy” and his plea; “This is a religious war… speak to your people in the south-west and Kwara,” have remained major talking points among his critics.
The latest controversy has reopened old debates about Obi’s political rhetoric, religious framing, and his relationship with Muslim communities.
