Peter Obi's influence on the Nigeria's political space. - Chikeluba

Peter Obi 

It was sometimes around 2003, while Anambrarians were scouting for who would replace the then Governor of Anambra, Chief Chinwoke Mbadinuju, after his first tenure in office that the aura of Peter Obi greeted the citizens of the State. A gentleman to the core, without the usual grandiose political attitude that identifies the usual Nigerian politician. 

Peter captured the attention of Anambrarians with his simplicity and unconventional political style, especially as practiced in Nigeria. That led to Anambrarians massively voting for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), the Party Obi flew its flag. The election result was brazenly distorted, leading to the declaration of the PDP's Dr. Chris Ngige as Governor, an anomaly that Peter vowed to challenge using every available legitimate means. He never led his teeming supporters into riots or civil disobedience, in preference for his ideology.

The Court processes was lengthy and presumably tortuous for the Obi team, but eventually the judgement was delivered in his favor after about 35 months of Ngige presiding as Governor.

Peter's tenacity, consequently led to staggered elections in Nigeria, after the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision declared Obi would serve out his 4 years constitutional tenure beginning from the day of his swearing in. That judgement reverberated across the country, with similar cases following through with the precedent.

Obi's eight years tenure in Anambra as Governor, changed the political atmosphere in the State. For once, people knew it was possible in this country to govern without siphoning public funds into private use. The man was simply a role model of sort, though the politics that brought about his successor was not palatable.

The icing on the cake of his achievement, was his handover to his successor, Chief Willie Obiano. It is very unusual for a Governor to leave the stage, leaving behind huge chunks of money cooling off in the banks. 

Obi's hand over report.

Upon Obi's exit from the government house of Anambra State, no anti-graft or anti-corruption agency waylaid or incarcerated him. Such was the intimidating profile of integrity the man paraded in office.

Mr Peter Obi (left), with Lord Marland of Odstock (Right) at 10 Downing St., London.

His choice of contesting for the numero uno political office in the land, gave Nigerians from all States of the federation the opportunity to behold a politician with a difference. A politician who could run his campaign without weaponizing poverty and illiteracy like some other politicians do. Obi has shown that it's possible to galvanize the citizenry without financial inducement of any sort.

Such is the type of politician, the Nigerian State requires for the apex job.

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