Politics

PETER OBI: THE BUSINESS MAN CUM POLITICIAN WITH INCREDIBLE TRIANGULATION AND REFLECTIVE SAGACITY

Published

8 years ago

May 20, 2018

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

2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2026

Sahara Weekly

2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have reportedly begun strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with indications emerging that the party is working towards a consensus arrangement aimed at strengthening unity and consolidating its political dominance across the state.

This development was disclosed by prominent politician and gubernatorial aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, during an interaction with journalists on Thursday, May 7, where he expressed confidence that Governor Seyi Makinde and members of what he described as “Team Seyi Makinde” would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.

Ajadi stated that PDP leaders, during a closed-door meeting attended by Governor Makinde, the state PDP chairman, and other influential stakeholders, unanimously resolved that he should contest for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat rather than continue with his gubernatorial ambition.

According to him, the leaders emphasized that his wealth of experience, political exposure, grassroots popularity, and developmental vision would make him a strong voice for Oyo Central at the National Assembly.

“They told me that the Senate remains a strategic platform where I can contribute immensely to the growth and integration of Oyo State and Nigeria at large through purposeful lawmaking and quality representation,” Ajadi said.

“We will take all political positions in Oyo State without leaving any behind in 2027,” Ajadi declared, expressing confidence in Team Makinde.

They said my passion for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, industrial growth, and infrastructural development would be better amplified from the Red Chamber. Their position was that Oyo State needs experienced and energetic leaders in the National Assembly who can attract federal presence and influence policies that directly benefit the people.”

Ajadi further revealed that the leaders stressed the need for party unity and collective sacrifice ahead of the elections.

“Politics is about service, loyalty, and strategic planning. The leaders made it clear that the interest of the party and the development of Oyo State must come first. I am a loyal party man, and I respect the decision of the leaders,” he added.

However, Ajadi also disclosed during the interview that he has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and has concluded plans to contest for the Senate under another political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although he declined to mention the name of the political party he intends to join, the politician hinted that consultations with political associates and supporters across Oyo State and beyond were ongoing.

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2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi
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Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction
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READ ALSO:Hamzat Gains Massive APC Support for 2027 Race

“We will take all political positions in Oyo State without leaving any behind in 2027,” Ajadi declared, expressing confidence in Team Makinde.

READ ALSO:Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction

“They said my passion for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, industrial growth, and infrastructural development would be better amplified from the Red Chamber. Their position was that Oyo State needs experienced and energetic leaders in the National Assembly who can attract federal presence and influence policies that directly benefit the people.”

Ajadi further revealed that the leaders stressed the need for party unity and collective sacrifice ahead of the elections.

READ ALSO:K1 De Ultimate Praises Okiki Bright’s Tribute Record

“I have moved on politically and consultations are ongoing with leaders and supporters. At the appropriate time, Nigerians and the good people of Oyo State will know the political platform on which I intend to pursue my senatorial ambition,” Ajadi stated.

He maintained that his political movement was driven by his desire to continue contributing meaningfully to governance, youth development, economic empowerment, and quality representation.

Party sources disclosed that the earlier consensus arrangement was designed to reduce internal friction, foster harmony among aspirants, and present formidable candidates capable of retaining and expanding the PDP’s political structure across the three senatorial districts.

According to the arrangement, the proposed consensus candidates for the Senate were said to include:

Oyo Central: Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo
Oyo South: Adedeji Stanley Olajide
Oyo North: Shina Abiola Peller

Sources within the party also indicated that former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, is being considered as the party’s preferred governorship candidate.

Ajadi, while speaking on the future of governance in Oyo State, declared that the achievements of the Makinde administration had positioned the state for continued political and economic growth.

He praised Governor Makinde for what he described as visionary leadership, infrastructural transformation, reforms in education and healthcare, and efforts toward improving the economy of the state.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has changed the political and developmental narrative of Oyo State. The people can see the roads, schools, healthcare improvements, and economic reforms. Good governance will always speak for itself,” Ajadi stated.

He also assured his supporters that his political ambition remains focused on service to the people.

“Our goal is not just about elections but about sustaining development, empowering young people, supporting businesses, and ensuring that every part of Oyo State benefits from quality representation and good governance,” he said.

Political observers believe Ajadi’s growing influence, particularly among youths and grassroots supporters, has continued to strengthen his relevance within the political landscape of Oyo State.

Known for his philanthropic activities, support for entrepreneurship, and active involvement in community development initiatives, Ajadi has increasingly become one of the notable political voices in the state’s evolving political environment.

The latest development is expected to generate fresh political discussions and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State.

Politics

Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has officially resigned from the party, citing the need to pursue his ambition on another political platform due to the unresolved crisis at the national level of the PDP.

Ajadi said the lingering internal crisis within the party could pose legal challenges to his aspiration in the long run.

In a resignation letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the Oyo State Chairman of the PDP at the party’s Secretariat in Molete, Ibadan, Ajadi said his decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on his political future and ideological direction.

The letter, routed through the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 8, Osengere in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, marks a significant political development within the party in the state.

“I am writing to officially notify you of my decision to resign from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” Ajadi stated in the letter.

The politician, who has remained active in political discourse and youth-oriented development initiatives across Oyo State, stressed that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to avoid possible legal disputes that could affect his gubernatorial aspiration.

This decision comes after extensive consultations and careful reflection on my political direction, particularly in relation to the broader state and national vision of unity, progress, and sustainable leadership that I remain deeply committed to pursuing,” he said.

Ajadi, known for his grassroots political engagements and philanthropic activities across Oyo State, expressed gratitude to the PDP leadership at the national, state, and ward levels for the opportunities and support he enjoyed during his time in the party.

“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the national leadership of the PDP for the opportunity to pursue my political ambition under the party’s banner, as well as acknowledge the unwavering support, guidance, and cooperation I received from the state leadership and the ward chapter throughout my political journey within the party,” he added.

Describing politics as a vehicle for service rather than personal rivalry, Ajadi emphasised his continued commitment to democratic participation and nation-building.

“Politics, for me, has always been a calling to serve humanity, not a contest of egos,” he declared. “I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me and for the platform the PDP provided to engage constructively in nation-building and democratic participation.”

Political observers in Oyo State believe Ajadi’s resignation could trigger fresh political alignments ahead of future contests in the state, especially considering his influence among youths and grassroots supporters.

Although Ajadi did not disclose his next political destination in the letter, sources close to the politician hinted that consultations are ongoing with associates and stakeholders across different political platforms.

The development is expected to generate reactions within the Oyo State political landscape, particularly among PDP loyalists and opposition blocs monitoring emerging alliances ahead of future elections.

In a conciliatory tone, Ajadi praised members of the PDP for their resilience and patriotism while praying for the continued success of the party in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

“I salute the courage, resilience, and patriotism of all PDP members and pray that the party continues to play its vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and fostering good governance,” he stated.

He further noted that he was leaving the party with “no bitterness or regret,” describing his experience within the PDP as “fulfilling and memorable.”

“As I take a new path in my political journey, I do so with no bitterness or regret, but with sincere gratitude to every member of the PDP family who contributed to making my experience both fulfilling and memorable,” Ajadi reiterated.

Politics

Buratai’s Loyalty to APC and the Failure of a Viral Smear Campaign

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai’s Loyalty to APC and the Failure of a Viral Smear Campaign

By Femi Oyewale

The recent attempt to portray former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), as a critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an admirer of the opposition coalition may have exposed more than just another fake news operation, it has exposed the contradictions embedded within modern political propaganda.

The viral publication, circulated by an obscure online platform, alleged that Buratai declared that President Tinubu had “failed to meet expectations” while commending the opposition coalition. Yet the report failed to provide the most basic ingredients of credible journalism: where the statement was made, when it was made, and who witnessed it.

Buratai’s swift denial was unsurprising. What is more striking, however, is the glaring irony surrounding the entire smear campaign.
At a time when the former army chief is visibly and actively participating in activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress, critics attempted to paint him as an anti-government figure. Only recently, Buratai reportedly served as a member of the security committee during the APC National Convention , hardly the role of a man allegedly plotting politically against his own party.

Even more revealing is the political aspiration of his son, Tukur Buratai Tukur, who is currently pursuing a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly to represent Biu Constituency under the banner of the APC.
Campaign posters promoting the younger Buratai’s ambition are already in circulation, carrying APC insignia and messages centered on “effective representation and quality service.” Recent public appearances equally showed the elder Buratai openly endorsing and supporting the aspiration.

This raises an obvious question: Why would a man allegedly opposed to the APC government simultaneously participate in APC national structures while backing his son’s political future within the same party?
The contradiction weakens the credibility of the viral publication and reinforces suspicions that the report was politically motivated.

In today’s digital political climate, fake news has become a weapon designed not merely to misinform, but to manufacture confusion, trigger division, and manipulate public perception. Public figures, especially those with national visibility and influence, increasingly find themselves targeted by coordinated misinformation campaigns.
Buratai’s response reflected not only personal outrage but also concern over the broader implications of unchecked falsehoods in Nigeria’s political space.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the retired general maintained that his allegiance to constituted authority remains intact after over four decades in military service.

Whether one agrees with Buratai politically or not, the episode serves as another reminder of how easily fabricated narratives can spread in an era where sensational headlines often travel faster than verified facts.

And perhaps that is the greatest irony of all: while the authors of the smear campaign sought to create doubts about Buratai’s loyalty, the facts surrounding his recent political activities appear to tell an entirely different story.