Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, celebrated his 64th birthday, igniting a wave of heartfelt tributes, charity drives, and rallies across Nigeria and beyond. The “Obidient Movement,” Obi’s ardent supporters, marked the occasion with events reflecting his values of compassion, integrity, and service, despite his long-standing call to redirect celebratory efforts toward the needy.
In Lagos, the Obidient Movement organized a “Mega Charity March” across Ikeja, Festac, and Lekki, themed “From Compassion to Purpose: Obidients in Action for a New Possible Nigeria.” The event featured free medical outreach, orphanage visits, and donation drives, embodying Obi’s vision of redirecting resources to the underprivileged.
In Abia State, a “One Million Man March” swept through Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia, and Uzuakoli, celebrating Obi’s birthday while reaffirming support for his rumored 2027 presidential bid under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Supporters hailed Obi as a symbol of hope, with the march showcasing his widespread appeal.
Rivers State saw Obidients engage in community service, visiting slums, schools, and campuses to distribute food, writing materials, and sanitary pads. At Rivers State University, they covered students’ bus fares, aligning with Obi’s call for a “New Nigeria” rooted in compassion.
In Kaduna, a planned birthday rally was halted by police citing security concerns and a scheduling conflict with INEC’s bye-election primaries. Despite the ban, the enthusiasm of Obi’s supporters underscored his influence in northern Nigeria.
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the Obidient Movement coordinated charitable acts, including hospital visits and donations for medical bills and school fees, reflecting Obi’s directive to prioritize the needy over lavish celebrations.
The celebrations extended internationally, with Obidients in Germany and other diaspora communities organizing charity drives and sending birthday wishes via social media under hashtags like #PeterObiAt64 and #POBirthdayRally. These global events highlighted Obi’s growing influence as a figure of hope beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal praised Obi’s integrity and fiscal responsibility as Anambra Governor, calling him a philanthropist who inspires across party lines. Yunusa Tanko, Obidient Movement National Coordinator, described Obi as a “symbol of transformational leadership,” with supporters eagerly awaiting his 2027 “liberation.” Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin dedicated his own birthday to Obi, calling him “my president” in a viral TikTok video.
Obi, who has shunned personal birthday celebrations for over 20 years due to Nigeria’s challenges, likely encouraged supporters to focus on charity. While no direct statement was reported today, his past appeals in 2023 and 2024 suggest he maintained this stance, urging resources be directed to hospitals, orphanages, and schools.
Peter Obi’s 64th birthday was more than a personal milestone, it was a powerful reflection of his enduring impact on Nigerian politics and society. From Lagos to Abia, Rivers to the diaspora, the Obidient Movement’s charitable and unifying efforts underscored Obi’s vision for a compassionate, inclusive Nigeria. As celebrations wrapped up, Obi’s legacy as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change shone brighter than ever.
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