Ohanaeze, Baba-Ahmed, others celebrate Peter Obi as he turns 61 today

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Dr Peter Obi, hits 61 today, Tuesday July 18, and his supporters, including his running mate, Dr Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, are wishing him well in his aspiration.

Baba-Ahmed wrote on Twitter: “Many happy returns to H.E @PeterObi Thank you for your selfless leadership and commitment to a better Nigeria. May God almighty grant you your heart desires, sustain you with good health and peace of mind.”

Obi, born July 19, 1961 in Onitsha, Anambra State, is aspiring to become Nigeria’s president in 2023 under the Labour Party.

He was a two-term governor of Anambra State, 2006 and 2014.

On 24 March 2022, Obi declared his intention to run for the position of President of Nigeria under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, but later pulled out and announced he would be running under the Labour Party platform instead.

He complained of massive bribing of delegates and vote-buying at party’s presidential primary, citing the existence of a party clique collaborating against him.

Younger generations under 30 proved to be some of his biggest supporters, showing their support via social media.

Some of his supporters are already likening him to Nelson Mandela of South Africa.

A Twitter user, Take Back Naija wrote: “Happy Birthday to our distinguished Principal @PeterObi, a man of uncommon grace and unique abilities. On this day of #PeterObiAt61 , we celebrate the Hope you have given to us as Nigerians, and we pray for long life, health & victory to actualise your well-meaning aspirations.”

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, felicitated with Obi on his 61th birthday.

Ohanaeze in a statement described him as a “game changer, soldier of morals, democracy archetype, the popular sentiment of youth politics, an abundance philosopher, prudent resource manager, ethnic barrier-breaker and a quintessential Igbo audacious icon.”

The statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, said, “What goes for Obi today is the awesome quality service he rendered to his people as a governor; and of course, the dispositional humility, character comeliness and intellectual acumen that define his public conduct.”

National Convener, Movement for Election of Nigeria President, Vincent Ezekwueme, also in a statement described Obi as an outstanding patriot, detribalised, humble, honest, selfless and God-fearing leader in politics, private and public life.

He said, “It is on record that he prudently and selflessly utilised public fund for the public good, that while leaving office, he left N75 billion, while his contemporaries incurred huge debts.

“Since he left office in 2014, he has rendered unequal humanitarian aids and services in all the geopolitical zones of the country.

“His belief that leadership is call to serve and not to be served singled him out as a rare and unique personality and gift from God to serve and helps humanity.

“He is selfless, contented and fanatic when it comes to welfare of the citizens.”