- Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate during the 2023 election, celebrates his 63rd birthday
- Emerging with no prospects, Obi gained numerous supporters, particularly youths
- In his 21-year political career, the former governor of Anambra State has won numerous awards and recognitions
Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) who was described by Top10 Magazine as the ‘most dramatic sprinter’ during the 2023 elections, is 63.
The story of Peter Obi details how he almost reached the finish line in the election. This was despite starting with no prospects after he decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In respect to his birthday, on July 19, the two-term governor of Anambra State, via his official X (formerly Twitter) page, urged his supporters to send his gifts to less privileged homes instead of sending them directly to him.
He wrote, "On Friday, July 19th, I will be celebrating my 63rd birthday. As usual, it is a time for personal reflection and thanksgiving to Almighty God, who has graciously granted me life, good health, and the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of humanity.
"I am humbled by the numerous well-wishers, both locally and internationally, who have already begun sending birthday wishes and organizing events in my honour.
"To those organizing events and spending funds in celebration of my birthday, I kindly request that you redirect those resources towards supporting the needy, particularly those in hospitals and schools. Your contributions can help pay medical bills and school fees for the less privileged. I also appeal that all gifts intended for my birthday be donated to care homes, schools, and hospitals, which will greatly benefit from your generosity."
Meanwhile, his supporters via X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms are celebrating the birthday anniversary of the Anambra-born politician while singing his praises.
Who is Peter Obi?
Peter Obi started his political career in 2003 under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), where he contested the Anambra State governorship election.
Before his foray into politics, he was and still is a businessman who worked at establishments like Fidelity Bank and Guardian Express Bank.
21 years later, his political status and influence in Nigeria have risen greatly. This was particularly true in the 2023 general elections. He was described as the most dramatic sprinter in the history of Nigeria’s presidential race.
According to the BBC, he gained six million votes, amounting to 25% of the total votes. The BBC described the feat as a major achievement considering the dominance of the ruling parties—the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the PDP—in Nigeria.
Obi’s influence gave birth to the ‘Obidient Movement,’ mostly composed of youths, who picked him as their model political leader and candidate. It gathered momentum across the country and even beyond. This made Obi rise to the pinnacle of his political career - one of outstanding performance and integrity, as his supporters opined.
Some of his notable awards include Man of the Year by The Sun Newspaper (2007), Most Prudent Governor in Nigeria by ThisDay Newspaper (2009), and Nigeria’s Most Trustworthy Governor by Champion Newspaper (2009), among numerous others.
Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi among the most followed Nigerian politicians on X (Twitter)
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that Nigerian politicians were social media celebrities who command a huge following on social media platforms.
Particularly on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku emerged as the most followed Nigerian politician with 5.1 million followers while Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate, was the second most followed politician in Nigeria with 4.6 million followers.
Former president, Buhari emerged as the third most-followed Nigerian politician with 4.5 million followers while former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was Nigeria’s fourth most-followed politician with 4.3 million followers.
