Peter Obi Political Career, Business, Education Background, Awards
The Labour Party presidential candidate for 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, Peter Obi received his secondary education at Christ the King College, Onitsha.
He attended the University of Nigeria, where he received a B.A. (Hons) in philosophy in 1984. He also attended several prestigious business schools including the Lagos Business School.
He also attended Harvard Business School, London School of Economics, Columbia Business School, International Institute for Management Development.
Including Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, Saïd Business School of Oxford University, and the Judge Business School of Cambridge University.
Business Career
Before entering into politics, Peter Obi had a successful business career. He held leadership positions in several private companies such as Next International Nigeria Ltd, Guardian Express Mortgage Bank Ltd.
Including, Guardian Express Bank Plc, Future View Securities Ltd, Paymaster Nigeria Ltd, Chams Nigeria Ltd, Data Corp Ltd and Card Centre Ltd. He was even the youngest chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc.
Political Career
In 2003, Peter Obi ran for governor in the state of Anambra as a member of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance.
Although Chris Ngige was initially declared the winner of the election, the election was nullified in 2006 and Peter Obi was declared the winner.
He assumed office in March 2006, but was later impeached and removed from office in November of the same year. ((Wikipedia.com))
However, his impeachment was overturned, and he returned to office in February 2007. He was re-elected to a second term in 2010.
In 2019, Peter Obi was selected as the vice-presidential nominee for the People’s Democratic Party in the presidential election, running alongside Atiku Abubakar.
However, the ticket lost to incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari and vice president Yemi Osinbajo.
In 2022, Peter Obi ran for president himself, first as a candidate for the People’s Democratic Party and later switching to the Labour Party in May 2022 to obtain its nomination.
His presidential campaign has been described as populist and has gained support among many young Nigerians, who have been nicknamed “Obidients.”
His Presidential Contest
Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State in Nigeria, has had a notable political career and is now a candidate for the presidency in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.
He initially declared his intention to run under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, but later switched to the Labour Party.
Obi has gained a strong following, particularly among younger voters who have been nicknamed the “Obidients” and are drawn to his message of frugality, economic production, and resourceful management.
He has been endorsed by activist Aisha Yesufu and has managed to turn his previously unknown party into a strong third force against the two major political parties in Nigeria.
Before the official start of the campaigns, volunteers and supporters of Obi’s campaign held a series of “One Million Man Marches” in multiple Nigerian cities, which drew large turnouts.
Peter Obi on National Security
- Peter Obi is a candidate who has taken a strong stance on national security issues.
- He has called on the government to publicly name those who are financing terrorism and oil theft in Nigeria.
- Obi believes that it is important to hold these individuals accountable in order to keep the country safe.
Peter Obi on Women’s Issues
Obi is also a strong advocate for women’s issues. He believes that women are less likely to be corrupt in public office, and as a result, he made a point to have a predominantly female staff during his time as governor.
In addition, he has expressed his desire to abolish the Office of the First Lady, stating that he was elected, not his wife, and that the Ministry of Women Affairs is sufficient in addressing women’s issues.
On International African Women’s Day, Obi emphasized the importance of including and empowering women in leadership and nation-building.
Awards
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| The Sun’s Man of the Year | 2007 |
| This Day’s Most Prudent Governor in Nigeria | 2009 |
| Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Best Performing Governor on Immunization in South-East Nigeria | 2012 |
| Silverbird’s Man of the Year | 2013 |
| Distinguished Alumnus Award – Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA) | 2014 |
| Nigerian Library Association’s Golden Merit Award | 2014 |
| Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester Pope and Martyr | 2014 |
| Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha’s Golden Jubilee Award | 2015 |
| This Day’s Governor of the Decade | 2020 |
| Leadership Excellence Award’s Man of the Year | 2022 |
In Conclusion
Peter Obi is a well-respected political and business leader in Nigeria, with a successful career in both fields.
With his education and experience, he has shown himself to be a competent and capable leader and continues to be a major player in Nigerian politics.
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