Politics
PETER OBI: THE BUSINESS MAN CUM POLITICIAN WITH INCREDIBLE TRIANGULATION AND REFLECTIVE SAGACITY
BY: SUNDAY ADEBAYO
Where many politicians have tried and failed, Peter Obi the former governor of Anambra State and the candidate for the senate has managed to succeed, if not triumphed. It will not be understatement to call Peter Obi one of the most successful Igbo politicians in the contemporary Nigeria’s disconcerted political topography.
Obi as an astute politician understands the theatrics of modern politics and the application of political triangulation that is rooted in the third force of political arrangement. Obi comprehends the sense and sensibility of his political grassroots especially the voting religious and business groups in the Igbo political sphere especially in Anambra State.
Obi is among the rarely Nigerian politician that can be described as a personality of a 21stcentury; a disciplined caliber that understands political economy and its application in the polity. With a capitalistic conscience grounded on private enterprise and enriched with an experience on public policy he derived as a former governor of Anambra State, his political ambition appears regimented.
His public policy understanding, prowess and scope together with his experience as a business executive was vividly portrayed in his political career. His logicality and reasoning shows a serious mind and a dedicated citizenship that is willing to apply his best for the greater good of our country Nigeria.
How was he able to emerge as most respectful and successful politician despite the low trust of politicians in Eastern Nigeria?
Yes, he represented the modern politics of third force which is rooted in political triangulation. The study of the act of successful politics with zenith attention on the environment is the permeable to a political triangulation, which becomes as a means to define oneself with successful tools to accomplish a given task at hand.
Triangulation was first introduced into political lexicon by Dick Morris, the chief political adviser to President of the United States. Triangulation as Dick Morris philosophized is anchored on a given politician taking “a position that not only blended the best of each party’s views but also transcended them to constitute a third force in the debate.”
Obi’s style of governance is rooted in discipline and simplicity. He comes to work on time, does his work and goes home to his family at the end of day. His governorship was controversy free and I am no way suggesting that he is a saint. But he has demonstrated that he can do his job without distraction and pandemonium.
So far, the former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi has demonstrated that longevity in politics especially in Anambra State is attainable when you are willing to work for it. With many political foes and well-wishers, the greatest strength of Obi will be his ability to leverage his profound political calculus for survival and success in the uncanny world of politics.
Peter Obi exhumes humility, and this is always very evident at every encounter with him. He also affirmed this in a recent interview with a national daily where he was asked if he has any regret so far in his political career, and he exhibited his humility by responding.
“I have never regretted anything in my life. I came here with nothing. I’m going away with nothing. Whatever I have in my life is by the grace of God. So, I have never had any regret. I can tell you, at 55, I’ve never been to hospital, except when the doctor said they saw a small growth in my system, they wanted to remove it and I was in hospital for two hours for that.”
The man, Peter Obi
Obi was born on 19 July 1961 at Onitsha. He attended Christ the King College, Onitsha where he completed his secondary school education. He was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1980, graduating with a B.A (Hons) in philosophy in 1984.
Going into business, he became chairman of Next International Nigeria Ltd, then chairman and director of Guardian Express Mortgage Bank Ltd, Guardian Express Bank Plc, Future View Securities Ltd, Paymaster Nigeria Ltd, Chams Nigeria Ltd, Data Corp Ltd and Card Centre Ltd. He was the youngest chairman of Fidelity Bank PLC. Obi married Margaret Brownson Usen in 1992 after which they had their first child Gabriella Nwamaka Frances Obi, two years later they had their first son Gregory Peter Oseloka Obi. He was appointed the chairman of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) by former President Goodluck Jonathan after the 2015 general election. Obi operated a very meticulous financial regime in Anambra State that includes cutting of unnecessary spending, and ploughing of revenue wastage, among others.
His Political journey
He contested the Anambra State governorship election as candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party in 2003, but his rival, Chris Ngige of the People’s Democratic Party was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
After nearly three years of litigation, Ngige’s victory was upturned by the Court of Appeal on 15 March 2006. Obi took office on 17 March 2006. On 2 November 2006, he was impeached by the state House of Assembly after seven months in office and replaced the next day by Virginia Etiaba, his deputy, making her the first ever female governor in Nigeria’s history. Obi successfully challenged his impeachment and was re-instated as the governor on 9 February 2007 by the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu. Etiaba handed power back to him after the court ruling.
He once again left office on 29 May 2007 following the general election, which Andy Uba won. Obi returned to the courts once more, this time contending that the four-year tenure he had won in the 2003 elections only started to run when he took office in March 2006. On 14 June 2007 the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld Obi’s contention and returned Obi to office.
On 7 February 2010, the INEC declared Obi the winner of the 6 February 2010 gubernatorial election, where he defeated Professor Charles Soludo, former governor, CBN. This election victory gave Governor Obi an additional four years as the governor of Anambra State. On the 17th of March 2014 Peter Obi served out his second term and handed over the governorship to Willie Obiano
Politics
A Visionary Leader of Purpose and Compassion: Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen’s Impact Across Continents
A Visionary Leader of Purpose and Compassion: Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen’s Impact Across Continents
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a world where influence is often measured by wealth, power, and political might, it is rare to find individuals who combine these attributes with genuine humility, an unwavering commitment to service, and a heart dedicated to giving back to society. One such rare gem is Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen—a seasoned business mogul, Chief Investment Officer at Ovid Capital, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South Africa Chapter, and an ardent philanthropist whose work spans both Nigeria and South Africa.
Hon. Akpokabayen’s story is not merely about professional success but about purposeful living. From his stronghold in the financial sector to his leadership in political and community spaces, he has consistently leveraged his influence and resources to uplift others. As an individual who believes in the transformative power of education, health, and community development, his ongoing philanthropic initiatives in 2024 and 2025 reflect his deep understanding of the needs of the people and his relentless desire to address them.
The Business Leader with Vision
As Chief Investment Officer at Ovid Capital, Hon. Akpokabayen has played a significant role in shaping investment strategies and financial growth in key sectors. His professional background in finance, bolstered by his academic foundation (MSc in Finance), places him at the forefront of strategic investment in Africa. Ovid Capital, under his leadership, continues to explore viable investment opportunities with a keen focus on sustainable development, job creation, and innovation.
Yet, despite his corporate achievements, Hon. Akpokabayen remains grounded in community service—a trait that distinguishes him as a leader of both influence and integrity.
Political Leadership Rooted in Service
Hon. Akpokabayen’s role as Chairman of the PDP South Africa Chapter is a testament to his commitment to political advocacy and diaspora engagement. In this capacity, he has provided a platform for Nigerians in South Africa to remain politically connected and empowered, while also advocating for better policies and representation of the Nigerian diaspora. His political journey reflects a belief in democracy, inclusiveness, and collective progress.
More than just occupying political office, he embodies the values of grassroots mobilization and participatory leadership. By ensuring the voices of Nigerians abroad are heard, he strengthens the bridge between the homeland and its global citizens.
Philanthropy That Transcends Borders
Hon. Akpokabayen’s philanthropic footprint is both wide and impactful, with initiatives that cut across educational development, healthcare, empowerment, and social welfare. His most recent and ongoing projects underscore a consistent pattern of giving and transformative outreach.
1. The UDU Essay Competition and Medical Outreach (Delta State, Nigeria)
One of his notable interventions in Nigeria is the UDU Essay Competition targeting secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. This initiative aims to encourage academic excellence, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement among youth. By offering students a platform to express themselves and win prizes, he not only invests in education but also inspires the next generation of leaders.
Complementing this academic initiative is a robust medical outreach program in Udu. Which being organized in early 2025, the outreach provided free medical care to hundreds of residents, many of whom lack access to basic healthcare. Medical professionals, volunteers, and logistical support teams came together under his leadership to deliver services ranging from general checkups to more specialized treatments. For a community long neglected in terms of health infrastructure, this program was nothing short of lifesaving.
2. Back-to-School Program (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Understanding the challenges many immigrant families face in South Africa, Hon. Akpokabayen extended his philanthropy to students in Johannesburg through his “Back-to-School” program. Held in January 2025, the initiative targeted disadvantaged children in Barnato Park High School and Berea Primary School—both institutions located in inner-city Johannesburg where many African immigrant children study.
The program distributed school supplies, uniforms, and educational materials, ensuring that students began the school year with dignity and the tools they need to succeed. It was a direct response to the financial hardships faced by many families and a reaffirmation of his commitment to education as a tool of empowerment.
3. Empowerment Program for Warri Community in South Africa (WCSA)
In a significant gesture of economic upliftment, Hon. Akpokabayen launched an empowerment program tailored specifically for members of the Warri Community in South Africa (WCSA). Seven individuals were each granted R15,000.00—funds intended to support their small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative illustrates his focus on sustainable impact, as it seeks to provide beneficiaries with the means to achieve financial independence and contribute positively to society.
By channeling resources into community development, he not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a culture of self-reliance and enterprise.
Leadership Through Humility
Perhaps what most endears Hon. Akpokabayen to the people is not just what he does, but how he does it. Despite his stature, he remains remarkably humble and accessible. Whether attending community events, mentoring youths, or visiting project sites, he engages with sincerity and compassion. His presence inspires trust and his words, often filled with encouragement, reflect deep empathy.
This humility, combined with a results-oriented approach, has earned him admiration across political divides and professional circles. It is also why his projects enjoy local participation and long-term sustainability—people believe in his vision because he walks the talk.
A Call to Support and Emulate
In times when leadership is often marred by self-interest and disconnection from the grassroots, Hon. Akpokabayen stands as a shining example of how power can be used for good. His actions speak to a larger philosophy: that true leadership is about service, that progress begins with people, and that greatness lies in giving back.
As he continues to chart paths across business, politics, and philanthropy, there is a growing call for others to emulate his model. Governments, private individuals, and the Nigerian diaspora must come together to support initiatives that uplift communities, especially in underprivileged and marginalized areas.
Legacy in the Making
Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen is not just a man of the moment; he is a man of legacy. His work in 2024 and 2025 affirms a lifelong mission to transform lives through vision, action, and love for humanity. Whether in Delta State or Johannesburg, in boardrooms or community halls, his impact resonates deeply with those he serves.
As Africa—and indeed the world—searches for leaders with integrity, compassion, and courage, Hon. Akpokabayen’s journey reminds us that greatness is not just about titles, but about how many lives are touched for the better.
Lagos PDP Kicks As Epe Council Boss Gets Enmeshed In Alleged Certificates Forgery
The Youth wing of the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Comrade Agboola Akinpelu Dare is calling for an investigation into allegations of certificate forgery against Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the chairperson of Epe Local Government Area.
This isn’t the first time Animashaun has faced these allegations, which initially surfaced ahead of the last council election in Epe local government ¹.
According to a video shared on social media by Nifemi Vibrant, Animashaun is accused of forging her certificates, which would disqualify her from holding public office under the 2022 Electoral Act.
Another prominent figure from Epe, Olanrewaju Babatunde, also known as Bob Tarner, has come forward to accuse Animashaun of forging her certificates from primary to university level ¹.
The PDP is urging the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and other relevant government agencies to invite Animashaun for questioning and to scrutinize her credentials.
They argue that Epe is known for academic excellence and deserves better representation ¹.
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