7 Hidden Facts To Know About Peter Obi

Asides from being one of the richest politicians in Nigeria and a former Governor of Anambra State, he is also a successful businessman and has over time, acquired wealth throughout his career. Although some might think that he got his wealth solely from politics, it should be noted that Peter Obi was and is still a successful businessman before entering politics. He is known in the business field for managing several businesses and corporations and he is sure good at it.

Peter Obi is also one of the presidential aspirants for the forthcoming 2023 presidential election. He is the flagbearer for the Labour Party. If you have been nursing the thought to vote for him as the president or getting to know about him as an aspirant, this article is good for you. Here are 7 interesting facts to know about the Labour Party presidential aspirant, Peter Obi.

Below are 7 hidden facts to know about Peter Obi:

1. He is a member f the NESG and NCIB

Peter Obi is a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers (NCIB). Therefore, he has a successful banking career even before he entered politics. During his service in this field, he served as the chairman of Guardian Express Mortage Bank and Future Views Securities Ltd. He rose through several ranks as a banker until he became the youngest chairman while serving at Fidelity Bank Plc.

2. He served under Goodluck Jonathan when he was president

During the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan as president, he hired Peter Obi to be a member of his presidential economic team as the chairman of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

3. He was Atiku’s Running Mate

In 2019, Peter Obi was Atiku Abubakar‘s running mate as the PDP presidential flagbearer. But it is no news that they lost in the election to President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

4. Professional Memberships

Peter Obi was a member of some professional bodies including, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and the British Institute of Directors.

5. His Business Career

Peter Obi was also a former chairman of Chams Nigeria Plc., Paymaster Plc., and Next International Ltd., located in Abuja and Port Harcourt.

6. Pandora Papers

Although Peter Obi has a reputation for transparency, the Pandora Papers have uncovered him having secret business dealings and relationships. According to Pandora Papers, “…he has a number of secret business dealings and relationships that he has for years kept to his chest. These are businesses he clandestinely set up and operated overseas.” However, Peter Obi accepts his fault and clarified that he was unaware that he was legally bound to declare assets or companies he owns with others.

7. He was Impeached as a Governor

During his tenure as a governor, Peter Obi was impeached by the state house of assembly just six months after he moved into the governor’s mansion. But, he appealed and his impeachment was overturned, granting him service till May 29, 2007, from February 9.

He also appealed again in 2007 when he lost in a fresh election to Andy Uba and he was granted the opportunity to complete his term. In the next election, he defeated Charles Soludo and served a second term.