TD PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — Presidential hopeful Peter Obi received a rousing reception from lawyers at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on August 24, 2026, after participating in an interaction session with presidential candidates.
After addressing the NBA Conference in Port Harcourt, lawyers erupted, chanting “Obi! Obi! Obi!” amid a packed professional audience.
Videos show a large indoor hall filled with delegates reacting positively.
Later, an outdoor crowd of attendees were seen holding up phones near conference tents, capturing visible excitement at his presence.
Watch the video clip below:
The official account for the Obi/Kwankwaso (OK) movement frames the event as a moment of hope for better governance, tying into their 2027 election messaging of “Nigeria Will Be OK.”
Obi’s appearance reportedly generated an electrifying atmosphere at the conference, with lawyers giving the former Anambra State governor a resounding ovation as he addressed issues concerning Nigeria’s governance, economy and future.
Videos and accounts circulating from the event showed enthusiastic delegates surrounding Obi after the session, with the crowd reportedly becoming so large that he struggled to make his way out of the venue.
The development turned the session into what supporters described as “a Peter Obi day”, as lawyers gathered around the presidential hopeful to exchange greetings and take photographs.
Supporters of Obi interpreted the reception as a demonstration of growing enthusiasm for his political message ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra governor has continued to campaign on the need for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s approach to governance.
He argued for greater emphasis on production, human capital development, institutional accountability, security and prudent management of public resources.
His appearance at the NBA conference also provided an opportunity to engage a professional audience known for its interest in constitutional governance, the rule of law and public accountability.
One enthusiastic account of the event described the atmosphere as follows:
“It was a Peter Obi day, at the NBA interaction session with Presidential Candidates, as part of the 66th Annual Conference today in Port Harcourt.”
The account added that “the mood was electrifying” and that lawyers were “ecstatic” as Obi engaged the issues.
Another supporter described the gathering in more dramatic political terms, declaring: “The Man Who Will be President engaged the issues with precise elucidation. The time is coming.”
The reception has since generated discussion on social media, particularly among Obi’s supporters.
His supporters view the enthusiastic response as an indication of his continuing popularity among sections of Nigeria’s professional and urban electorate.
However, the size and enthusiasm of a conference crowd should not, by itself, be interpreted as evidence of broader electoral support, as the NBA gathering was a professional event rather than a political rally.
Obi’s participation came as political parties and presidential aspirants increasingly position themselves for the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, debates over Nigeria’s economic difficulties, insecurity, democratic institutions and leadership quality are expected to dominate the emerging campaign season.
This Dawn News reports that the Port Harcourt reception has nevertheless added another high-profile public appearance to Obi’s growing political engagements ahead of the next general election.
