In line with Africa Giant’s resolve to contribute to the upliftment of Africa and Africans both in continental Africa and the Diaspora, we are glad to report on the growing trend of quality leadership springing up all over Africa. This is in relation to Nigeria; Africa’s most populous Nation. For a long time, Nigeria has been plagued by corruption and poor governance. However, there is a new generation of leaders and citizens who are committed to making Nigeria a force for good in Africa, the kind of leadership capable of implementing policies that would improve the lives of Nigerians and make the country a more attractive investment destination, especially for African diasporas. Thanks to the voters who are bent on changing the status quo, especially how they will vote in the fort coming 2023 general elections.
Despite the expected voter apathy recorded in previous elections in Nigeria, there would be a high turnout in the forthcoming elections, especially with the emergence of the Labour Party aspirant; Peter Obi, following his exit from the dominant PDP. With the African Giant Peter Obi becoming the new but fast-rising favourite, Nigeria is beginning to record loud and vocal chants of the youth who have categorically expressed their unwillingness to cast their votes for either PDP or APC. There is an air of excitement and anticipation as people wait to see if the poll results will reflect the current mood of the country. The general consensus seems to be that people are fed up with the two main parties and are looking for a change. Whether or not this will translate into actual votes remains to be seen, but it is clear that there is a lot of interest in the coming 2023 presidential election.
Peter Gregory Obi was born on 19 July 1961. He is a Nigerian politician and businessman, who was the vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 Nigerian general election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but dumped the party in May 2022. In March 2006, he was elected as the governor of Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria on the platform of the APGA. He took office on 17 March 2006 but was impeached on 2 November 2006 by members of the Anambra State House of Assembly after only eight months in office. He was however reinstated by the Court of Appeal. The court ruled that his removal was “illegal and unconstitutional” because the Anambra state House of Assembly did not follow due process.
A few days after dumping the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi joined the Labour Party saying the party is the right platform that aligns with his aspiration. Speaking on his decision, Obi said he had chosen a route that he considered to be in line with “our aspirations and my mantra of taking the country from consumption to production.” He further said that he believes the Labour Party will provide him with an enabling environment and support to actualize his vision for Nigeria. While expressing his readiness to work with other members of the party, he urged them to remain focused and committed in order to achieve their goals. Obi’s entry into the Labour Party is seen as a big boost to the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Obi, who is seeking to succeed the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), after the expiration of his regime in 2023, disclosed this in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle. He wrote, “I thank all Nigerians, especially our youths who have joined me in the mission of taking back and reuniting Nigeria. This project is yours and for the future of your children. I am just a vessel. I repeat, this is your project. “Nigerians should be the architect of their own destiny and not allow any group of people to determine their future for them. We must all resolve to take back our country and rebuild it to what it ought to be.” Obi said he would continue to engage all Nigerians and seek their support in his bid to lead the country out of its current challenges. According to him, he would continue to interact with Nigerians on the social media platform until he wins their confidence and mandates to actualise his dream for the country. He added that he was open to criticisms and suggestions that could help move the country forward. Obi said, “Please, keep engaging me on these platforms as I am always ready to listen”.
The New Nigeria Project – What Are The Youths Saying?
Peter Obi’s message to his supporters on Twitter “Since I resigned from the PDP because of issues that are at variance with my principles, I Peter Obi have consulted widely with various parties and personalities to ensure we do not complicate the route to our desired destination. For me, the process of achieving our goal is as fundamental as what one will do thereafter. Therefore, I have chosen a route that I consider to be in line with our collective desire for a better society, which is why I am joining the Labour Party. This party offers us the best chance of achieving our objectives, and I am confident that together we can build a strong and prosperous Nigeria”.
Since his declaration and subsequent moving to the Labour Part, there has been what some refer to as a tsunami of Nigerians trouping to his support. The slogan OBIDIENT has been coined from his name; Obi and many Nigerians especially the youths have his image as well as obedient as a whole or part of their social media profile. The youths in particular see him as a credible alternative to the current crop of older, establishment politicians. His frankness, openness and use of simple language which Nigerians will easily identify with is also seen as a plus by his teeming supporters. They believe he connects more with them than the older politicians who have either benefited from the system or are part of the rot in the system. Some even go as far as saying that he is a Messiah sent by God to save Nigeria from imminent collapse. Let me state categorically that Mr. Obedient is smart enough to know how to package himself and make himself attractive to Nigerian voters, many of whom where easily swayed in the past by empty rhetoric and populist slogans of the old order.
Nigeria popular duo singers Psquare, Paul and Peter has declared their support for the former Anambra state governor Peter obi. The singers in a series of tweets said the 2023 election is beyond delegates as the masses will control the outcome of the election. They lambasted Dele Momodu, over claims that Peter Obi cannot win the 2023 election. The duo urged Nigerians to vote wisely and make sure they are registered as voters. They concluded by saying that ‘this is not the time to be silent but the time to take our destinies in our hands’. This declaration by the popular duo is sure to have a significant impact on the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria.
Paul noted that the current hardship in Nigeria was intentionally created by the ruling party so they could easily buy people’s support. He said the masses were faced with the option of voting for candidates who paid delegates thousands of dollars to emerge as candidates, or vote Peter Obi, who refused to participate in such corruption and had a plan to change Nigeria from a consumption to a production economy. Paul added that the current hardship was a direct result of the ruling party’s corruption and that voting for any of their candidates would only perpetuate the cycle of hardship and suffering. He urged all Nigerians to vote for Peter Obi, who he said was the only candidate with a real plan to improve the country.
In the lead-up to the Nigerian presidential elections, more celebrities have come out to endorse Obi. Kate Henshaw, Chidi Mokeme, Ruggedman, and many others have also publicly declared their support for the candidate. With so many high-profile endorsements, it is clear that Obi has significant celebrity backing. Whether or not this will translate into votes remains to be seen, but it is clear that he has a lot of support from some of Nigeria’s biggest names who have the power to sway public opinion and help shape the future of Nigeria.
Peter Obi is a popular Nigerian politician who is best known for his work in saving public money and rescue missions. He is a strong advocate for the youth and has shown his dedication to Nigeria through his work in various states. He was especially popular during his time as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2014 to the present. During his time in office, he has been able to provide the people with many needed services and improve the overall quality of life for Anambra citizens. He has also been a key player in many rescue missions across Nigeria, helping to save lives and properties during times of crisis. Even though he is no longer the governor of Anambra State, he remains an important political figure in Nigeria and is still very active in rescue missions. The people of Nigeria continue to look up to him as a strong leader who genuinely cares about their well-being.
