Veteran Nollywood actor Charles Inojie has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s decision to leave Benue after armed thugs reportedly prevented him from gaining access to the state.
The actor challenged those criticising the Labour Party figure, urging Nigerians to take a closer look at the meaning of courage in politics.
Charles Inojie reacts to Peter Obi controversy
Inojie made his position known on September 8, 2026, while responding to a video shared by social media commentator Isaac Fayose.
Fayose had argued that Obi should have confronted the hostile crowd rather than leave the area. He maintained that Nigeria needed a more aggressive politician capable of matching the ruling establishment’s strength with equal force in the bid to defeat President Bola Tinubu.
Inojie, however, disagreed with that position, stressing that bravery should not be measured by a politician’s willingness to engage in violence.
The actor argued that Peter Obi’s political strength lies largely in his reputation, which he said the ruling class had repeatedly failed to damage despite efforts to find a scandal involving him since the Obimania movement gained prominence.
According to Inojie, engaging in a physical confrontation would only provide Obi’s opponents with an opportunity to undermine his image.
Charles Inojie’s full message about Peter Obi
Inojie defended Obi’s decision to avoid the confrontation, saying the former Anambra governor’s safety should take priority.
“His refusal to charge through the mob in Benue wasn’t cowardly but profound wisdom. Nigeria needs Peter Obi alive. Indeed, true courage is knowing when not to fight,” Inojie wrote.
The actor also criticised Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia over the security situation in the state.
He accused the governor of failing to adequately mobilise security forces against bandits and herdsmen whom he blamed for turning parts of Benue into what he described as a burial ground, while seemingly taking satisfaction in the decision to prevent Obi from entering the state.
Inojie further pointed out that Obi travelled to Jos on the same day he was stopped from entering Benue to sympathise with Nigerians displaced by insurgency.
“Trust me, the joke is on Rev.Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.”
See the post below:
View this post on Instagram
See Charles’ post below:
