The Nigeria Police Force may face pressure to investigate an unidentified police officer captured in a viral video making disparaging remarks about Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and people of Igbo origin.
In the footage circulating on social media, the officer is heard allegedly questioning Obi’s eligibility to become President of Nigeria because of his Igbo identity.
The officer also made remarks about Obi’s age and suggested that the former Anambra State governor would not be able to complete a presidential term if elected.
Obi is the NDC candidate for the 2027 presidential election, according to the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
In the video, the officer reportedly claimed that the 2027 presidential contest was essentially between President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, while calling for Obi to be removed from the race.
“Who is Obi? A small child. The election is Atiku versus Tinubu. Kick Obi out of the race,” the officer was heard saying.
He further made a sweeping statement about the possibility of an Igbo person becoming President, saying, “No Igbo man or woman can become President of this nation.”
The officer also made an allegation linking an Obi presidency to criminal activity, a claim for which no evidence was provided in the video.
“Who will give Igbo man a chance to become President of this country?” he was heard asking.
The comments have generated reactions on social media, with attention focused on the identity of the officer and whether disciplinary action would be taken over the remarks.
The officer’s identity, rank and command were not immediately established from the footage.
The viral video comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Obi, Tinubu and Atiku among the presidential candidates on INEC’s published list.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Nigeria Police Force confirming the identity of the officer or announcing an investigation into the video.
