DIRISU YAKUBU discusses the transformative performance of Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the recent presidential election, who garnered over six million votes. What began as a light-hearted endeavor a few months ago has evolved into a significant national movement, often referred to as the “third force” anticipated to bring about a new government in the coming years. When Obi announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 24, 2022, many doubted his chances of success as he sought the presidency under a different party. For Obi, a charismatic political figure admired by both the young and old, this decision represented a break from the traditional politics that had long dominated Nigeria.
Obi’s campaign capitalized on widespread support, particularly from youth disillusioned with a system that had offered them little in return for their hard work. Despite spending significantly less than his main rivals, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Obi achieved victories in 12 states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory. Many analysts dismissed him before the election, arguing that his “no shishi” approach—refusing to engage in monetary inducements—would limit his appeal. However, this philosophy fundamentally altered the campaign landscape, prompting other politicians to be cautious about distributing cash or gifts to sway voters.
Born on July 19, 1961, Peter Obi embodies the qualities of integrity and achievement. He is an alumnus of Christ The King College in Onitsha and holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which he completed in 1984. His pursuit of further education led him to the London School of Economics and Columbia Business School, where he earned postgraduate degrees in Financial Management and Marketing Management. Obi’s departure from the PDP to join the less established Labour Party marked a significant turning point in his political career. Many doubted his prospects against the formidable candidates from the two dominant parties, especially after his home state governor, Charles Soludo, suggested that the election was merely a contest between Tinubu and Atiku.
Obi’s substantial support base consisted of various youth groups, including artisans, students, musicians, and social media influencers, who effectively utilized social media to rally support for him. Unlike the supporters of his opponents, who awaited financial incentives to mobilize, Obi’s followers, known as the “Obi-dients,” invested their own resources to promote the Labour Party’s manifesto. They conducted educational sessions on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, raising awareness about the dangers of aligning with the old political order. This grassroots mobilization contributed to Obi’s impressive electoral performance.
Obi’s political journey is marked by resilience and experience. He first contested the governorship of Anambra State in 2003 but lost to Chris Ngige of the PDP. After a lengthy legal battle, he was declared the rightful winner nearly three years later. His tenure was marred by impeachment, but he fought back through the courts, ultimately restoring his position. In 2010, he secured a second term, defeating the incumbent governor, Charles Soludo. As discussions about the authentic political leader of the Igbo nation emerged following the death of Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Obi was chosen as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election.
As preparations for the 2023 presidential election began, Obi recognized the lack of transparency in the PDP’s candidate selection process. Consequently, he formally resigned from the party and joined the Labour Party, a move that would prove to be one of the most astute political decisions in Nigeria’s recent history. Following his entry into the Labour Party, respected political economist Pat Utomi withdrew his own presidential ambitions in favor of Obi, further highlighting Obi’s rising popularity. The results of the February 25 presidential election forced critics to reconsider their assessments, as Obi amassed 6,093,962 votes across 12 states, including Edo, Lagos, and Enugu. In contrast, the established candidates, Tinubu and Atiku, struggled to achieve similar results.
Obi’s 25 percent share of the total votes cast has been interpreted as a significant statement of intent, positioning him as a potential future president if he maintains his momentum. Meanwhile, Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate, has vowed to pursue legal avenues to contest the electoral process that led to Bola Tinubu’s presidency. At a press conference, Baba-Ahmed expressed the party’s determination to fight against the perceived injustices that have left many Nigerians disheartened. He criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for hastily announcing results and issuing Certificates of Return, suggesting collusion in the electoral process.
Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the election did not meet the minimum standards for transparency and fairness as outlined by INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act of 2022. He condemned the violence, voter intimidation, and suppression that marred the election, asserting that state institutions had failed to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. He urged supporters to remain peaceful while continuing to advocate for a “New Nigeria” and to mobilize for upcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
In a related statement, Yunusa Tanko, the Chief Spokesman for the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council, described the events surrounding Tinubu’s certificate of return as a pre-planned script. He indicated that the Labour Party was compiling evidence for legal action and that civil society organizations were considering civil disobedience to express their dissatisfaction with the electoral process. Tanko asserted that the party’s focus was on challenging the process rather than targeting the elected officials themselves, emphasizing the need to address the systemic issues that undermine future elections.
While Tinubu may have emerged victorious, it is clear that he will face ongoing scrutiny from Obi, who has demonstrated his ability to challenge established political figures. Obi’s influence was evident in Lagos, where he defeated Tinubu in what was once considered his stronghold. Additionally, the Labour Party’s success in the Federal Capital Territory and various states in the South-East and South-South regions highlights the impact of Obi’s campaign. Despite his electoral loss, it would be unwise to underestimate Obi’s potential as he continues to garner support and advocate for a new approach to governance in Nigeria.
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