Speed Darlington also questioned what Atiku and his running mate, Amaechi, delivered during their years in public office.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerian rapper and singer Darlington Okoye, better known as Speed Darlington, has set tongues wagging online after stating why he would back Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2027 general election.
In a now-trending video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, 4 November, the artist made it clear that his support for the former Anambra State governor was rooted purely in ethnic sentiments rather than competence.
”I am going to support Peter Obi for president. Not because I see or hear the intelligence coming out of his mouth. I am supporting Peter Obi strictly because of tribe, because he is Igbo,” Speed Darlington said.
Speaking on Obi’s challengers in the upcoming presidential election, the singer queried what African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag-bearer and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, delivered during their years in public office.
While seemingly stating that he would rather continue with the order of the day, Speed Darlington noted that Nigerians do not want a “Fulani president”.
”The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know. Atiku and Amaechi have been statesmen for years; what did they accomplish? Who even wants a Fulani president?” he added.
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Speed Darlington also used the opportunity to address Nigerian politicians broadly, arguing that it was deeply embarrassing that road construction was still being dangled as a campaign promise in 2026.
Taking a swipe at them, the artist further said: “Shame on all Nigerian politicians for still using roads to campaign. It’s a big shame in 2026.”
His reason for backing Obi, however, sparked a fresh debate online and divided opinion sharply, as some netizens opined that his comment is not helpful for the NDC chieftain, while others accused him of fronting for the incumbent president.
An Instagram user identified as @bandobreed shared: “You for just keep the reason to yourself presido… we dey fight Yorubas because of this kind reasons 😂😂😂”
Another internet user, @kaayc21, added: “Nigerians are not doing tribe, we are doing competence.”
@officialnewlife1 asked: “What if Atiku offer you money to support him, won’t you support him? Just asking 😂”
While @cheatnation wrote: “Akpichukwu, e be like say this 18-room mansion wey you dey build wan lead you into temptation oo. Which one be ‘if APC give you better offer, you go support Tinubu’? 😂”
@mr_goziex also commented: “No worry, we sabi this format 😂😂😂”
