By Dan Onwukwe
History sometimes provides a striking opportunity to understanding the interplay between leaders and situations that differentiate one from the pack. It also provides a valuable insight into the changing dynamics of power. It’s a fact that leadership carries a sacred responsibility not measured by political contests alone, but by courage, conviction, and respect for the dignity of the people – even under pressure.
This is why some politicians deserve the recognition, good will and respect they get from the people, while others don’t. The latter category can best be described in pidgin English as “waka just pass”. These are leaders who strut the political space just to be noticed. They leave no enduring legacy. Their footprints varnish once they leave the political stage.
But some have their records permanently etched in history. Such public record speaks for itself. For many years, and out of curiosity, many people have asked: why do Mr. Peter Obi’s stars keep shining and glowing despite the storms and several attempts by political foes to rubbish his reputation? Why do many people swarm around him like bees to honey?
Why does his presence in any major event always attract excitement? The answer is not hard to find. Obi is an exemplar of humility. He is authentic, honest and acts differently from the established standard political archetype. He’s trustworthy and principled, action-oriented, not self-serving, even God-fearing. He doesn’t speak from both mouths. He is straightforward. Consistent. He wants you to take him at his words.
Are these traits common with your typical politician, especially in Nigeria? You see, if every expression of a great, humble and compassionate leader matters and every word becomes part of the public record, two events in the last two weeks underscore who Peter Obi really is.
At the recent dedication of the magnificent Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi, the commercial hub of Anambra state, inside the cathedral was an assemblage of political bigwigs, the clergy, a coterie of businesspeople, and the ordinary folks. As protocol demands, the presence of Gov Charles Chukwuma Soludo, was duly recognised. He was commended by the officiating priest for his contribution to the realisation of the Cathedral.
Gov Soludo’s introduction received some claps of approval from the audience. But at the back seat of the massive Cathedral was Peter Obi, almost unnoticed. He doesn’t call attention to himself. But his presence was like a bright, colourful fish in a clear bowl. No hiding place. There was an eruption of excitement when he was introduced by Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson, the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese.
It took over 10 mins for the excitement to subside. Everyone present wanted to touch him. Paparazzi were scrambling to get better photographs of him. Could this be the case of someone one playing in the ‘Champions League’ against the one in the ‘first division’? Is that why the mention of Obi’s name seems to upset Soludo? You answer!
Those present claimed Gov Soludo was looking sorrowful at the end of the event, perhaps wondering if he made a mistake by honouring the invitation where Obi was billed to attend. On January 21, ahead next month’s Council election in the Federal Capital Territory, Obi made a decisive impact when he visited key locations in Abuja.
It was a strong show of solidarity at the Kugbo Furniture market in the Abuja Municipal Area Council(AMAC) that was gutted by fire recently. The traders expressed profound gratitude to him for standing with them during their moment of travails. His visit was seen as a boost for the candidates of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), Obi’s present political platform. “Obi kererenke”(a dancehall Afro-drill song Kamaanu) was in the air.
This is a striking example of an untypical politician grounded in character, capacity and compassion. That’s a measure of true leadership. For those who do not know, Obi’s approach to business and politics is rooted in a popular Management theory known as the Hersey-Blanchard model, which posits that different times and circumstances call for different leadership style.
Clearly, Nigeria’s current rough-and-tumble, pork barrel politics, requires people with extraordinary gifting – talents that place the people first and personal interests last. The opposite is the case in the present leadership of the ruling party.
Obi’s word means everything to him. It is more than tons of cash. That is what is wrapped up as his secret for success. It has always worked for him. It happened during his 8 years as Governor of Anambra state, and in the Presidential election in 2023. Those who claim to know like Malam Nasir el-Rufai said Obi was the actual winner of the Presidential poll.
As Charles Wang, American businessman, philanthropist and co-founder, Computer Associates International Inc; noted, “to be a successful person, you must have solid integrity. Your word has to be everything you have got… You must have a moral compass”. Wang says these personality traits are key for success in life, because, “people will get a sense of you, and if you are not true, you may not feel the effect today, this week, this month, this year, but it will get out one day”. If you ask me, I think Peter Obi has imbibed these business ethos, made them an integral part of his life, his business, and now, his moral compass in politics, for a better Nigeria.
That’s why the ruling party is jittery. The uneasiness is palpable. It is leaving no stone unturned to stopping Obi from contesting the 2027 presidential election. The President’s aide on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala said that much last year. That’s what brought about the near destruction of the Labour Party(Obi’s platform in 2023).
Today, PDP exists only in name. The focus may have shifted to ADC. All because of one man – Obi. The ideas, authenticity of his message, and the energy Obi generates everywhere he goes, are things we have rarely seen in a long time since his foray into politics. His name is trending almost everywhere with fervency. It’s because the ‘old order’ has failed Nigerians.
Obi is not your typical politician because he thinks different. This is why: not just because the old order, which the present system represents has failed to deliver, it’s also because, to ‘Think Different’ is the source of all wisdom. That’s why Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs, chose it as its tagline.
It entails mindfulness, paying undivided attention to the exigencies of the moment, and the plight of the people. Modern democratic leadership ought to be person-to- person conversation. It entails intimacy, compassion, not insensitivity. It involves top-down to bottom-up exchange of ideas. It makes getting the people’s confidence and solving their problems a lot easier. Sadly, that is not what Nigerians are getting from the present political leadership.
But if Obi must actualise his presidential ambition, ADC must ensure a transparent primary, choose a presidential material whose profile resonates well with the people across political divide. That’s the point Obi loyal supporters(“Obidient Movement”) are making. This is contrary to the allegation by the acting Publicity Secretary of the party, Balaji Abdullahi that the ‘Obidients’ mindset is that the party’s presidential ticket must go to Obi or nothing else. He claimed, without evidence that the demand was threatening the unity of the party. I think Abdullahi got it all wrong. What the ‘Obedients’ want is a credible and transparent proces.
Given the present political culture of ‘cash-and-carry’ that has corrupted our politics, and makes our elections a laughing stock, Obi represents the techniques that the temper of the times need. The truth is that most Nigerians are fed up with following a Frankenstein leader, the type that has brought tears and sorrow to most families, but has enriched a tiny few, their families, and business associates.
That’s what Obi is fighting against. As Obi said during the last presidential campaign, “my focus is constant. Sometimes I cannot sleep because I know what to do. I know the problems of Nigerians, and I know I can fix them. Hunger takes people to the streets, but food, jobs, will take them out of the streets and crimes”. That is a reminder that his aspiration to be the president of Nigeria is to liberate the poor who are asking whether it’s a ‘sin’ to be a Nigerian.
These are the words of a man with conviction, not platitudes. Taken as a whole, Obi should be careful about the landmines in ADC. The government in power knows Obi is its main obstacle to Tinubu’s re-election . APC will prefer Atiku to Obi. Beyond this, Obi should mind what happens within its ‘Obidient’ fold. That’s the point Arise News anchorman, Rufai Oseni made last week. According to him, the biggest risk in Obi’s campaign “is not external opposition, it’s internal comfort”. He also cautioned that the campaign room of Obi “is full of believers and too empty of cold-blooded tacticians, and that’s dangerous because fans’ clap does not last”.
Obi needs reminding that good strategists win wars. Emotional energy resides with movement loyalists and social media warriors, volunteers evangelists and praise singers. A battlefield like no other before now lies ahead. 2026 will decide the outcome of 2027. My advice to Obi is this: play the game, not the occasion. Same to his loyal supporters.
In practical
terms, Obi needs strategic planners. He needs no reminding that Nigerian
politics is like asymmetric warfare. It’s filled with betrayals, financial
inducement, and intimidation. And like war, for Nigerian politicians, all is
fair and just. These are areas of vulnerabilities Obi, his advisers and
supporters should work on.
*Onwukwe is a commentator on public issues
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