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By Tracy Moses
Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has restated his commitment to contributing to good governance across Nigeria, emphasizing once again that his drive is not fueled by a desire to attain power, but by a passion to see Nigeria function effectively.
Speaking in Umuahia on Saturday, May 24, 2025, during a special Sabbath anniversary service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aguiyi Ironsi Layout, Obi declared: “I tell people all the time, my ambition is not to become president at all costs. What drives me is the urgency to see Nigeria work.”
The event was held in commemoration of the second anniversary of the administration of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti. Obi, who lauded the governor’s achievements over the last two years, said Otti’s impact has been visible and commendable.
“We desire more leaders like Governor Otti,” the former Governor of Anambra State remarked. “His developmental strides are evident, you don’t need to listen to the radio to know that something different is happening in Abia.”
He described the celebration as one that reflects genuine progress, insisting that impactful leadership does not require a long tenure to manifest results. “Some say they need eight, ten, or even twenty years to perform. I’ve always maintained that even a single day, if used right, can transform lives.”
Obi urged the people of Abia to continuously uphold their leaders in prayer, noting the enormous difficulty of governing a country like Nigeria with integrity. “Good governance is tough, especially when one is committed to doing the right thing,” he said. “Let us keep praying for the governor and his team. Also, let us ask God to soften the hearts of all leaders across the country so that public funds can be used for the public good.”
He added, “Public money is not our personal property. We are only caretakers, just as we are witnessing here in Abia, we pray this becomes the standard across Nigeria.”
In his response, Governor Otti attributed the successes of his government to divine grace, stressing that his vision would not have materialized without God’s help.
Quoting from the Bible, the governor referenced 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, stating, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God gave the increase. Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow.”
Otti acknowledged the collaborative efforts of his team, the state legislature, and judiciary, and thanked them for believing in the ‘New Abia’ project. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Obi for his consistent support and to the church for its steadfast prayers.
Earlier in the service, Pastor Enyinnaya Uguru, former President of the Abia North Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, delivered a sermon titled “At The Fullness Of Time”. He cautioned leaders to celebrate milestones with humility and foresight to avoid losing sight of long-term goals.
Reflecting on Otti’s journey to the governorship, Pastor Uguru said, “Delayed success often serves as preparation. Governor Otti is proof of that.” He further commended the administration’s performance, adding, “I no longer follow government media channels because of the lies, but I say this confidently I have seen the evidence, and you are doing well.”
The occasion drew attendance from key government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and industry leaders across Abia State.