Making a New Nigeria Possible: The Ideology and Legacy of Peter Obi

By Dr. John Nwokeabia

Past Deputy Governorship Candidate, Labour Party, Enugu State

Leader, Obidient Movement, Enugu State Chapter

On the Occasion of the 64th Birthday of H.E. Peter Gregory Obi

Protocol Observed.

Distinguished Guests, Honourable Members of the National and State Assemblies, Leaders of Thought, Clergy, Traditional Rulers, Friends and Members of the Obidient Movement, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

It is with great honour and deep humility that I stand before you today to deliver this keynote address on a most auspicious occasion — the 64th birthday of a man whose vision has rekindled hope in millions, whose voice continues to echo the heartbeat of a new Nigeria, and whose principles have inspired a nationwide movement of conscience and change — His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi.

As we gather to celebrate his 64th birthday I'm honored to share my thoughts on his vision for a New Nigeria. 

Today, we are not just celebrating a birthday. We are celebrating an idea — an idea whose time has come. We are gathered here in Enugu, the heart of the East, under the banner of the Obidient Movement, not merely to reminisce about the past, but to chart a bold and collective course for our future.

Peter Obi's leadership style, rooted in integrity, innovation, and service, inspires us to reimagine Nigeria's possibilities.

His commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent governance has earned him national recognition..

In the complex terrain of Nigerian politics, Peter Obi stands out as a beacon of simplicity, accountability, and progressive governance. 

As Governor of Anambra State, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, transforming the state's infrastructure, education, and healthcare. 

His Excellency Dr Peter Obi demonstrated that leadership is not about noise, but about numbers — measurable impact, verifiable results, and prudent stewardship of public resources.

He proved that governance could be done differently — schools were returned to missions and transformed, healthcare was prioritized, debts were paid, and funds were saved for future generations — all at a time when squandermania was the order of the day.

More importantly, Peter Obi introduced a political philosophy rooted in three core values: Integrity, Competence, and Frugality with Compassion. This, my brothers and sisters, is the foundation of the New Nigeria we are trying to build.

Making a New Nigeria Possible is not a slogan, but a Mission

The phrase “A New Nigeria is Possible” is more than campaign rhetoric. It is a blueprint, a call to action, a national awakening.

It envisions a country where:

Leadership is earned, not bought.

Public service is service, not self-enrichment.

Youth are empowered, not exploited.

Resources are managed for the people, not a privileged few.

Elections reflect the will of the people, not the weight of money.

This is the Nigeria Peter Obi believes in. This is the Nigeria we, the Obidient Movement, are fighting for.

Our Role as the Obidient Movement is that we should transform from Momentum to Manifestation!

The Obidient Movement is not a fan club. We are not here to idolize a man. We are here to institutionalize a vision — to build a citizen-driven democratic force that transcends tribe, religion, or region.

We must carry this vision into our local government areas, our wards, our polling units, our schools, our homes. Let us transform political awareness into political participation. Let us not retreat after elections; let us hold every officeholder accountable, whether Obidient or not.

Our power lies not just in our numbers, but in our values.

As Ndi Enugu, we carry a sacred responsibility. This is the birthplace of giants, of patriots, of visionaries. We must lead by example. We must show that in the East, we not only vote for change, we live it.

Let our schools become temples of innovation. Let our streets be safe. Let our youths not flee the land of their fathers but find hope and opportunity within it. Let the government of Enugu State know that we, the people, are watching.

We are organized. We are educated. And we are determined.

If you ask me what Peter Obi would truly wish for on his birthday, it is not applause, not awards, not accolades. It is action. He wants to see us build the New Nigeria with our own hands. He wants to see young people rise. He wants us to be the leaders we seek.

So today, let us commit — not just to celebrate his birthday with cake and cheer — but to honour his legacy by becoming the change-makers in our communities.

As we strive for a New Nigeria, we must adopt a new mindset – one that prioritizes merit, hard work, and patriotism. Peter Obi's leadership embodies these values, and his vision for Nigeria is both inspiring and achievable.

Let us rally behind leaders like Peter Obi, who demonstrate a genuine commitment to public service and national development. Together, we can build a Nigeria that is prosperous, equitable, and just for all.

In concluding, let us remember that the road ahead is long, and the obstacles are many. But we have begun a journey that cannot be reversed. The New Nigeria is not a fantasy. It is inevitable — if we remain faithful, focused, and fearless.

Let history record that we were the generation that refused to settle, the generation that demanded more, and the generation that delivered a Nigeria that works for all.

To H.E. Peter Obi, Happy 64th Birthday. May your days be long, and may your legacy endure beyond elections, beyond politics — into the very soul of a reawakened nation.

Thank you.

God bless you.

God bless Enugu State.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr John Nwokeabia

19th July, 2025