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Peter Obi: Jonathan, Atiku, Tambuwal, Otti, others celebrate popular political leader at 64

Global Patriot StaffJuly 19, 2025

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Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, and a leading member of the coalition of political leaders operating on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Peter Obi, celebrated his 64th birthday on Saturday, July 19, 2025 with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from a broad spectrum of people in Nigeria and beyond, including top political leaders.

There were several other community-based activities in different parts of Nigeria, also in celebration of the former two-term Governor of Anambra state, while the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the last Edo State election, Mr. Olumide Akpata, used the opportunity to lambast the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for daring to threaten Mr. Obi.

Among the many who had sent in congratulatory messages were former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, now Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

In his message, Dr. Jonathan said Obi’s life “has been defined by exceptional leadership, and a deep commitment to the growth and progress of our nation.” He prayed that as he celebrates, that God should grant him the desires of his heart and continue to guide and protect him as he serves humanity.

Alhaji Abubakar, who is also one of the leaders of the ADC, said in his message celebrating Obi at 64: “May this new chapter bring you continued strength, good health, and enduring vitality. Wishing you many more impactful years ahead.”

Senator Tambuwal, also a former two-term governor of Sokoto state, said: “In a time when our nation yearns for principled leadership and moral clarity, your life has come to represent the possibility of a politics grounded in integrity, discipline, and service. You have consistently chosen the path of prudence over populism, of compassion over convenience, and of conscience over conformity.

“As former Governor of Anambra State, your tenure was marked by fiscal responsibility, investment in education and health, and a governance model that placed the people first. Even outside public office, your continued support to schools, hospitals, and communities across Nigeria speaks volumes of your philanthropy and commitment to humanity.

“Your unwavering dedication to the public good — in governance and as a private citizen — continues to inspire many across party lines and generations. As you mark this new age, may you be granted greater strength, wisdom, and grace to remain steadfast in your convictions — and may your voice continue to echo where it matters most: in the hearts of the people. I wish you peace, health, and many more years of impactful service to our beloved country. Happy 64th Birthday, Your Excellency.”

Dr. Otti said: “…. we celebrate not just a birthday, but a life that has consistently echoed the values of compassion, integrity, and progress. Mr. Peter Obi has proven time and again that leadership is not just about power but service. His enduring commitment to nation-building and humanitarian causes continues to inspire and uplift many lives.

“From classrooms to boardrooms, communities to hospitals, his influence is felt in every space where equity and growth are sought. His example reminds us that true leadership is not just spoken but lived. And in every stride, Mr. Obi has shown that he is who he says he is. We continue to learn from his discipline, humility, and relentless pursuit of a better society. Through him, we see what it means to lead with heart and serve with vision. This is wishing you more fruitful years in good health, wisdom, and God’s endless blessings. Congratulations, Okwute!”

Akpata, a former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), while wishing the former Anambra Governor happy birthday, hailed Obi as “a man whose leadership inspires millions, and whose presence in Edo will always be welcome, regardless of the threats from those who see your impact as a challenge to their own inadequacies.”

The legal luminary said: “When I first saw the video clip of Governor Monday Okpebholo threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to enter Edo State without his “permission”, I genuinely thought it was fake — perhaps one of those AI-generated videos or a poorly written skit.

“But it’s now clear it wasn’t fake. The Governor hasn’t denied it, no spokesperson has disowned it, and it’s been reported on credible news platforms. So, we must assume it was real — and that’s deeply troubling. Edo people are known for being warm, open, and hospitable. We welcome visitors. We don’t chase them away — much less someone like Mr. Obi who came to make a modest, generous contribution by donating ₦15 million to an educational institution in our state.

“Let’s be clear: Mr. Peter Obi does not need anyone’s permission to visit Edo State or any other State for that matter. Not now, not ever. Perhaps Governor Okpebholo should focus more on governing in a way that earns him the kind of love and connection that Peter Obi enjoys amongst the people — the way Mr. Obi has consistently done through his exemplary leadership. That this ill-judged threat came on the eve of Mr. Obi’s birthday — a day Obidients across the country are marking the occasion by giving back through acts of service — only highlights the Governor’s poor sense of judgement and timing.”

Nana Sani Kazaure, a former spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Campaign Team wrote: “Happy 64th Birthday Anniversary to Africa’s most popular Politician @PeterObi. An indefatigable Icon of our time. A Leader par excellence and a man who is true, humble with a heart made of pure gold. More blessings today and always. Ameen #PeterObiAt64 #ObiIsComing”

Jeffrey T. Guterman, a Florida, United States of America (USA)-based counsellor and author, said: “Happy birthday to @PeterObi, the next president of Nigeria,” while Nigerian writer and filmmaker, Onyeka Nwelue wrote: “Happy birthday, @PeterObi! Make sure you become the President of Nigeria.”

Global Patriot StaffJuly 19, 2025

0 85 4 minutes read