Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, has launched an official TikTok account. He aims to engage supporters and share his vision for a better Nigeria. His decision reflects the growing use of social media by Nigerian politicians.
Peter Obi’s Announcement and Objectives
On March 18, 2025, Peter Obi announced his TikTok page through his X (formerly Twitter) handle. He urged Nigerians to follow him and join the movement for a “New Nigeria.” In his video, he stated, “This is my official and only TikTok page. Kindly join me towards building a new Nigeria that is possible.”
Obi’s account gained immediate attention. Within hours, he attracted over 10,700 followers. His first video received 25,300 views, 5,636 likes, and 1,680 comments. Many supporters welcomed his decision to join the platform.
El-Rufai’s Presence on TikTok
Peter Obi’s move to TikTok follows Nasir El-Rufai’s recent entry onto the platform. The former Kaduna State governor recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He launched his TikTok account to discuss politics and party activities.
El-Rufai introduced his page with a video message. He said, “This is my only and official TikTok page. Please join me for videos, comments, and conversations on Nigerian politics and the activities of our new party, Social Democratic Party (SDP). Welcome on board.”
His page quickly gained traction. Within 24 hours, his follower count surpassed 200,000. His bio describes him as an “accidental public servant, certified ruffler of feathers, and deliberate SDP member.” His rapid growth shows the power of TikTok for political engagement.
Political Context and Social Media Strategy
El-Rufai joined TikTok shortly after leaving APC. He criticized the ruling party for abandoning its founding principles. He stated, “The APC has abandoned the principles that led to its establishment. It has abandoned the community. Everyone is doing their own thing. Everyone is looking for money. The government has become a business government.”
His remarks resonated with some Nigerians, while others dismissed them as political rhetoric. Many believe TikTok offers politicians a new way to communicate with citizens. Younger Nigerians dominate the platform, making it an ideal space for engagement.
Public Reactions and Implications
Peter Obi’s arrival on TikTok sparked diverse reactions. Some supporters expressed excitement and welcomed him to the platform. One user wrote, “Welcome to TikTok. We have been waiting and missing you. Let me go and activate my account asap.”
Others criticized his decision. A commenter stated, “Only losers in politics get a TikTok account.” Despite the mixed responses, Obi’s presence on the platform increases his visibility. More politicians now recognize social media’s role in shaping public opinion.
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s decision to join TikTok demonstrates his commitment to engaging with supporters. By leveraging the platform, he can reach a younger audience and promote his vision for Nigeria. Politicians now use social media more actively to shape narratives and influence voters. As digital engagement continues to grow, TikTok will likely become a key political tool in Nigeria.
