Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has advised Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, to adopt humility, compassion, and gratitude in leadership instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Abuja, Obi said leaders must demonstrate responsibility not only to citizens but also to God, especially at defining moments such as the governor’s certificate-of-return ceremony.
Obi’s comments came after Soludo reportedly mocked him and his supporters, describing the former governor as “a frustrated politician without a club” and linking challenges in Anambra’s education sector to his administration.
Obi said he found Soludo’s remarks unnecessary and disappointing.
“I was taken aback,” he said.
“A certificate-of-return event should be a moment of thanksgiving, love, and magnanimity. Instead, there was bitterness. That is unfortunate.”
Clarifying his involvement in the recent Anambra election, Obi stressed that he attended only three public engagements to which he was formally invited.
“I did not endorse any candidate or hold private political meetings. There was no basis for the level of speculation surrounding my presence,” he said.
Recounting his experience on Election Day, Obi said he witnessed tensions in his community but intervened to prevent escalation.
“When some outsiders tried to vote here, I appealed for calm. Leadership is not defined by winning elections but by fairness, courage, and peaceful conduct, even when provoked,” he added.
Obi also reflected on his achievements, contrasting his political journey with that of current gubernatorial contenders.
“If governorship candidates are in the first division, I have played in the Champions League. I ran for vice president in 2019, ran for president in 2023, and won 11 states including the FCT. My track record is public,” he said.
Speaking on his own time in office, Obi noted that he and Jim Nwobodo remain the only Anambra governors elected in their forties who completed second terms.
He emphasized that he holds no personal grudge against Soludo.
“I wish him greater success—if only to inspire humility, compassion, and genuine service,” he added.
Obi concluded with a broader reflection on public office.
“Leadership is not about resentment,” he said. “It is about gratitude, service, love, and recognising the grace God extends to us.”
