Yul Edochie plays Peter Obi in new film

Famous actor Yul Edochie has played the role of Peter Obi, the Labor Party candidate, in a two-part film on YouTube.

It comes almost three weeks before Nigeria’s presidential election, which will be held on February 25.

Titled ‘Peter Obi’, the movie is produced by Rockcelly TV, a Nollywood movie production outfit.

Anaele Dominic, CEO of Rockcelly TV, said the film, which was released in two parts 24 hours apart, came at a critical time when Nigeria was gearing up for elections.

“We as citizens must contribute. I am a filmmaker, I use film as a tool to make my impact on our beloved country by releasing this film that has never been seen before,” he said.

Change the narrative

Mr. Dominic noted that apart from changing the narrative, the movie aims to decide the future of Nigeria, bringing to our awareness what and who we need as leaders to pilot the affairs of this great country.

“I am very proud of this great project that was created not only for me or you but for the next generation. I urge you and everyone to watch it on YouTube to know that the new Nigeria is possible.

“As filmmakers, we often entertain, commercialize and educate with our works, but this is a legacy, so that my descendants can be proud of me and also show the good qualities of my principal, Exc. Peter Obi of Labor Party,” he wrote.

Peter Obi, movie

Written by Dominic, the movie also stars Ify Eze, Chioma Ifemeludike, Demian Edward, Ifeanyi Azodo, Marvelous Ekuma, among others.

From the trailer, one would think that the movie is a parody, but minutes after watching it, this newspaper found out that it is an attempt to clean up Mr. Obi’s personality.

Yul’s attempt to imitate the LP candidate’s voice was a little too simple, and then brought the actor a lot of flak on social media.

Some also wonder why he was chosen to play the character.

The film portrays the Labor candidate as a miser who would rather spend his money on feeding the underprivileged than enjoy a night out.

Because of his inconsistent lifestyle, he constantly quarreled with his family, friends, community members and even his wife.

As told in the film, despite all this, he remained on his path and became an advocate for reality, using the campaign slogan, “open and verify”.

It also represents a simple lifestyle that is reflected in the fashion of clothing and small bags that are often carried.

Presidential election

The 2023 presidential election is said to be one of the most contested in Nigeria’s political history.

The other main contenders for the top seat in the country are Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Although he started with a slim base of support, Mr. Obi’s Labor Party has managed to grow its support to the point where it has gained international attention.

Among the campaign’s messaging was the slogan, “A New Nigeria Is Possible,” drawing on the initials of his name.