Delta State Residents Reject Tinubu-Branded T-Shirts at Independence Day Race, Turn Out for Peter Obi

 

Warri, Delta State – October 1, 2026

Residents who gathered for a 5km Independence Day “run and rave” event in Warri expressed strong displeasure after discovering that free T-shirts distributed for the occasion featured an image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hidden beneath a map of Nigeria.

Videos circulating on social media show participants examining the green “Soft Nigeria” jerseys and pointing out the concealed portrait of the president. One attendee is heard asking, “Why am I having President Tinubu’s face on this shirt?” while others voiced frustration that what was promoted as a patriotic fitness event had been turned into an indirect campaign activity.

Many of those present discarded or altered the shirts and began chanting in support of NDC presidential candidate and former Anambra state governor Peter Obi, who is widely discussed as a potential presidential contender. Crowds were seen moving through the streets, with some footage capturing burning of the shirt and participants continuing to express anger to the branded apparel.

The incident, which took place during Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, has drawn significant online attention, with the original clips shared widely on X. Organisers of the race have not yet issued a public statement on the distribution of the T-shirts.