Peter Obi, the renowned presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria and a prominent figure in the nation’s democracy, celebrated his 62nd birthday on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, eliciting a wide array of reactions from Nigerians. While many expressed their well wishes and congratulations for his accomplishments, others questioned his decision to have a modest celebration.
In the lead-up to his birthday, Peter Obi had announced that he would not be observing elaborate festivities this year due to the current state of the nation. Instead, he intended to use the day for introspection on Nigeria’s challenges and to offer prayers for a better future.
On July 18, in a Twitter post, Obi explained his stance, stating, “Wednesday, July 19, 2023, marks my 62nd Birthday. While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation.”
Despite Obi’s intentions, his friends, Labour Party members, the Obidient Family, and supporters expressed their desire to celebrate his special day and presented him with gifts.
However, Peter Obi outlined a different way he preferred to be celebrated on his 62nd birthday. He humbly appealed to those who wished to celebrate him to direct their generosity towards those in need, especially during these difficult times. He encouraged them to visit hospitals, orphanages, homes for the elderly and people with disabilities, as well as schools in remote areas, and offer generous gifts and support. He also expressed his intention to do the same, and furthermore, he planned to raise funds for schools, hospitals, and other institutions in need.
Highlighting the importance of leaders making sacrifices for a better Nigeria, Obi emphasized the urgency of reflection amid the nation’s rising insecurities, violence, and bloodshed. He stayed true to his words by visiting the Mangu IDP Camp in Plateau State, where numerous individuals, not limited to camp residents, gathered to celebrate him and show their support.
Despite his decision to forgo extravagant celebrations, many individuals flooded social media with birthday wishes for Peter Obi, and some of his supporters even organized events to commemorate the occasion.
In Kano State, the Kano Obidients displayed his image on a billboard, hailing him as “the man of the year, the man of the people, the man of hope.”
The Labour Party also organized an event at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, to celebrate Obi as an Icon of Democracy. The event featured creative performances in music, poetry, and testimonies, providing a platform for supporters, the Obidient family, Nigerians, and global admirers to honor their hero and advocate for the Obedient Movement and ideology.
Prominent personalities and ordinary Nigerians alike joined in commemorating Obi’s birthday. Atiku Abubakar, former running mate of Obi and a notable figure in the People Democratic Party, conveyed his heartfelt wishes, praising Obi’s dedication to service and growth.
Numerous other notable figures, including Governor Alex Otiti, of Abia State, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State , Deputy governor of Edo state- Philip Shaibu,Senator Shehu Sani, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and many others expressed their greetings, acknowledging Obi’s leadership qualities and contributions to Nigeria.
These examples merely scratch the surface of the widespread support and well-wishes that poured in for Peter Obi on his 62nd birthday, showcasing his popularity and influence in Nigeria.