“He no dey give shishi!” The slogan is popular among the young supporters of Peter Obi who see him as the only candidate capable of delivering the dividends of democracy, and clearing the systemic rot in Africa’s largest economy.
The phrase, in pidgin English, loosely translates to “Obi does not give out money to buy votes”.
It cropped up a few months ago when controversial and fiery Catholic Priest, Ejike Mbaka, accused Obi of being too stingy and prophesied that the gap-toothed ex-governor, who rose to prominence for his frugality and simplicity, would lose the election if he did not change his ways.
Ahead of the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party in May, when it was reported that aspirants could part with as high as $20,000 to bribe each delegate, Obi again said he was unwilling to play “cash and carry” politics.
Obi then decided to defect from the PDP to the
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