Photo: Mr Peter Obi
By Daniel Kanu
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo as a fearless critic of bad governance and a towering statesman whose voice continues to shape national discourse.
Obi made the remark on Thursday in a message posted on his verified X handle, @PeterObi, to commemorate Obasanjo’s birthday celebrated on March 5, 2026.
The former Anambra State governor, who is also a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the elder statesman has remained consistent in speaking truth to power and advocating for good governance in Nigeria.
In a statement titled “Celebrating a Statesman,” Obi expressed admiration for Obasanjo’s unwavering belief in the unity and progress of the country.
“Today, March 5, 2026, I joined other Nigerians in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to celebrate the birthday of His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the two-time former President of Nigeria,” Obi said.
“I admire his steadfastness, courage and deep sense of justice and patriotism. Over the years, he has stood as a strong advocate for national unity and a fearless critic of bad governance, constantly reminding leaders that Nigeria must rise above divisions and work together for the common good.
“His moral sense of right and wrong has made him the conscience of the nation.”
Obi noted that Obasanjo’s decades of public service — both as a military head of state between 1976 and 1979 and later as a democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007 — remain significant in Nigeria’s political history.
According to him, the former president’s willingness to offer frank advice to successive administrations has helped sustain conversations around accountability, leadership and national development.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former leader.
“I pray that God continues to bless him with good health, wisdom and many more years of service to Nigeria and humanity,” Obi added.
Obasanjo, one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, has remained active in national and continental affairs since leaving office, frequently speaking on governance, democracy, and leadership across Africa.
