By Fred Chukwuelobe
Today, Mr. Peter Obi marks his 65th birthday. At 65, he remains energetic, youthful in outlook, and committed to his aspiration of leading Nigeria and contributing to its growth and development. Across social media, birthday messages are pouring in from admirers, friends, political associates, and members of the Obidient Movement, all celebrating a man who has become one of the country’s most influential political figures.
I would not be surprised if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sends him a birthday message. In the spirit of politics without bitterness, I think the President’s media team, led by Bayo Onanuga, should prepare such a goodwill message for the President to sign and release. It would be a statesmanlike gesture and one that would earn the President considerable goodwill.
On my part, I celebrate Peter Obi as a friend and a brother. I wish him many more years in good health, wisdom, and prosperity. May his lines continue to fall in pleasant places. Happy birthday, Your Excellency.
Having said that, permit me to ruffle a few feathers and add a little spice to the celebration by asking a simple question:
How many people will Peter Obi continue to visit to pacify them whenever they feel offended by people claiming to be his supporters?
The question arises from recent events.
Peter Obi recently paid a visit to Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose. The visit followed Isaac’s complaints that he had been viciously attacked by some self-acclaimed Obidients after he met with Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. Isaac maintained that he was particularly hurt because, according to him, he had invested his time, resources, and energy in supporting Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, only to become the target of online abuse.
This was not the first time Peter Obi had embarked on such a reconciliatory visit. Many will recall that he also visited Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka after the respected scholar publicly criticised some of Obi’s supporters and described certain elements among them as “fascists.”
My position today is exactly what it was then: I did not support that visit, and I do not support this one. My reason is straightforward.
If Peter Obi chooses to personally visit everyone who complains of being insulted by people claiming to be Obidients, where does it end? There will always be another complaint tomorrow. There will always be another person demanding recognition or expecting a personal visit.
Besides, not everyone hurling insults online is necessarily a genuine supporter. Politics today is full of impersonators, infiltrators, and agents provocateurs. Some may deliberately masquerade as Obidients simply to tarnish the movement’s image, while others may provoke controversy in order to attract attention or secure a meeting with Peter Obi.
That is why I believe he should be careful not to create a precedent that every aggrieved public figure deserves a personal visit.
A telephone call can suffice. A private message can suffice. Even a public statement condemning abusive behaviour where necessary can suffice. Physical visits should be reserved for exceptional circumstances, not become a routine response to every social media controversy.
I understand Peter Obi’s political style. He believes in engagement, humility, accommodation, and building bridges. Those are admirable qualities. However, leadership also requires discernment. Not every bridge must be crossed, and not every invitation deserves acceptance.
There is another political reality worth remembering. Salutation is not love. Public endorsements are not necessarily votes.
People who loudly proclaim support for a candidate may still vote differently when they enter the polling booth because voting is by secret ballot. Conversely, many who publicly criticise a candidate may quietly vote for that same candidate.
That is why politicians should be careful not to mistake social media optics for electoral value.
I honestly wonder how many additional votes Isaac Fayose’s reconciliation can realistically deliver that were not already available. What exactly is the electoral value of such visits? Perhaps I am wrong, and I concede that I may well be. But I am entitled to that opinion.
So I ask once again: How many people will Peter Obi continue to visit simply to pacify them and win them over?
As he celebrates his 65th birthday, I wish him continued good health, strength, and God’s protection. May He preserve him as he continues to serve humanity through philanthropy, public service, and politics.
Happy 65th birthday, Mr. Peter Obi
Fred Chukwuelobe, a veteran journalist and public affairs analyst writes from Lagos.