Early Life and Education

Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi, born on July 19, 1961, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, hails from a devout Christian family of Igbo descent. He completed his secondary education at Christ the King College in Onitsha and earned a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984.

Political Career

Initially entering the business world, Obi became the youngest chairman of Fidelity Bank Nigeria. He transitioned to politics, running for Governor of Anambra State in 2003 under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but lost. However, in 2006, after a legal battle, he was declared governor. His tenure saw several interruptions due to impeachment and legal challenges, but he eventually served two terms until 2014.

Obi joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014 and was the vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 election alongside Atiku Abubakar. In 2022, he declared his presidential candidacy for the 2023 election under the Labour Party, with Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as his running mate. His campaign gained significant traction, particularly among young voters and supporters known as "Obidients."

Presidential Candidacy

In the 2023 presidential election, Obi ran under the Labour Party. Despite his significant support base, he finished third behind Bola Tinubu of the APC and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP. Obi challenged the election results, citing allegations of voter manipulation and rigging.

Obidient Movement

During the 2023 Presidential election campaign, people under 30 proved to be some of Obi's biggest supporters, showing their support via social media, protests, and street marches. Aisha Yesufu, a prominent activist noted as the cofounder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement and a supporter of the End SARS campaign, endorsed Obi in her first-ever endorsement of a presidential candidate.

Young supporters of Obi's campaign were generally called the "Obidients," a term coined from his name "Obi." In a Business Day opinion article, Chikwurah Isiguzo argued that:

The [Obidients] are attracted by Peter Obi's ideology of frugality, economic production rather than ostentatious consumerism and waste, and resourceful management and investment in key sectors, for economic growth and development.

Political commentators have generally argued that Obi's third-party candidacy appeals to young voters dissatisfied with the two major parties, which has resulted in the "biggest political movement in recent Nigerian history." With his core message of prudence and accountability, Obi has managed to gain the backing of voters for his previously largely unknown Labour Party, turning it into a strong third force against two political heavyweights, APC and PDP.

Before campaigns were officially kicked off, Obi's supporters held a series of One Million Man Marches in several Nigerian cities including Makurdi, Calabar, Lafia, Port Harcourt, Afikpo, Owerri, Enugu, Auchi, Abuja, Kano, Ilorin, Abakaliki, and Ibadan. The marches were not part of the official campaigns; they were led by volunteer Obi supporters and not Obi's in-house team or political party. The marches experienced massive turnouts.

Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education in Nigeria, stated in an interview with Channels TV that Nigerian women are more inclined toward the potential presidency of Obi.

Selection of Running Mate

Physician Doyin Okupe initially served as the temporary running mate of Obi until a substantive candidate could be selected. In the run-up to the final selection, media outlets reported efforts to have former Senator Shehu Sani of Kaduna State serve as Obi's running mate.

On 8 July 2022, Obi unveiled his running mate, Senator for Kaduna North Senatorial District Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. Speaking on his choice of the vice presidential candidate, he stated:

This is our right to secure, unite and make Nigeria productive. And you can't do that without having people who have similar visions, ideas and are prepared for the task. So, I have the honour today to present to you, God willing, Nigeria's next vice president in the person of Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Views

Obi has called for transparency in naming individuals responsible for financing terrorism and oil theft in Nigeria. He supports women's involvement in leadership, advocating for greater inclusion and empowerment. Obi has also been involved in controversies, including the Pandora Papers leaks and a leaked phone conversation with Bishop David Oyedepo.

Awards and Honors

Obi has received numerous awards, including The Sun's Man of the Year (2007), Silverbird's Man of the Year (2013), and Leadership Excellence Award's Man of the Year (2022). He was also honored with the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester Pope and Martyr (2014).

Selected Awards

• 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)

Personal Life

Peter Obi is a practicing Catholic, married to Margaret Brownson Obi (née Usen) since 1992, and they have two children.