Nigerian politician, businessman, and former governor of Anambra State
Peter Gregory Obi, CON
Born: 19 July 1961
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Politician, Businessman
Political Affiliation: Labour Party (LP)
Marital Status: Married with two children
Overview
Peter Gregory Obi is a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, and former governor of Anambra State. Known for his prudent financial management, leadership skills, and dedication to national development, Obi has played a pivotal role in shaping modern governance in Nigeria. He was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections and previously served as the vice-presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019.
Education
Obi’s academic journey is marked by an impressive array of local and international qualifications:
Christ the King College, Onitsha – W.A.S.C.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka – B.A. in Philosophy
Lagos Business School – Chief Executive Program
Harvard Business School (Boston, USA) – Various executive programs including Mid to Mid Marketing & Changing the Game
London School of Economics – Financial Management/Business Policy
Columbia Business School (New York, USA) – Marketing Management
Institute for Management Development (Switzerland) – Senior Executive Program & Breakthrough Program for CEOs
Kellogg School of Management (USA) – Advanced Executive Program & Global Advanced Management Program
Oxford University: Said Business School – Advanced Management & Leadership Program
Cambridge University: Judge Business School – Advanced Leadership Program
Political Career
Peter Obi served two terms as Governor of Anambra State, implementing transformative policies in governance, education, healthcare, and economic development. His administration prioritized infrastructural development, transparency, and efficient resource allocation, making Anambra a model state in prudent financial management. His tenure saw:
First Nigerian Governor to legally reclaim a governorship victory through the courts after being denied.
First Governor in Nigeria to be reinstated after wrongful impeachment.
First Governor to legally challenge the interpretation of gubernatorial tenure, leading to a court ruling that allowed him to complete his term.
First Governor to serve a second term in Anambra State in nearly 40 years.
First sitting Governor to be appointed Special Adviser to the President and a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team.
First Governor to receive a national honor (CON) while still in office
Governor of Anambra State (2006–2014)
Economic & Governance Reforms
- Implemented Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), aligning state progress with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
- Left Anambra financially stable, debt-free, and with a surplus.
Economic & Governance Reforms
- Implemented Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), aligning state progress with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
- Left Anambra financially stable, debt-free, and with a surplus.
Healthcare & Infrastructure Development
- Constructed 10+ new Maternal & Child Healthcare Centers.
- Upgraded over 150 hospitals and community health centers.
- Built Joseph Nwilo Heart Centre (Adazi-Nnukwu) and Kidney Dialysis Centre (Onitsha).
- Constructed over 800 km of roads across Anambra State.
2023 Presidential Run
Peter Obi ran for President under the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, leading a youth-driven movement known as the Obidient Movement, focusing on:
- Economic growth & industrialization.
- National security & unity.
- Good governance & anti-corruption.
National Leadership & Advisory Roles
Beyond his gubernatorial tenure, Obi has played key roles in national governance and economic development:
Vice Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (2008–2014)
Chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum (2006–2014)
Former Chairman, Board of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Honorary Special Adviser to the President on Finance (till May 2015)
Member, Presidential Economic Management Team (till May 2015)
Federal Government Committee Memberships
Obi served on numerous federal committees, contributing to national policy development in key areas such as:
Minimum Wage
Labour Subsidy Negotiations
Mass Transit Policy
Natural Resources
Power Sector Reform
Agricultural Transformation
Higher Education Needs Analysis
Business & Corporate Leadership
Before venturing fully into politics, Obi was a successful businessman and investor. He held leadership roles in multiple corporations, including:
- Former Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Former Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc
- Held leadership roles in multiple corporations, including Guardian Express Mortgage Bank, Paymaster Nigeria, Future Views Securities, Chams Nigeria Plc, and Next International Nigeria.
Professional Memberships
- Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)
- Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers
- British Institute of Directors (IOD)
Awards & Recognitions
Peter Obi’s contributions to governance and economic development have earned him numerous national and international awards, including:
- 2015: Golden Jubilee Award – Catholic Diocese of Onitsha (for outstanding contributions to healthcare, particularly St. Charles Borromeo Hospital).
- 2014: Nigerian Library Association Golden Merit Award (for significant improvements in Anambra State libraries, including Kenneth Dike Digital State Library).
- 2014: Champion Newspaper – Most Outstanding Igbo Man of the Decade.
- 2014: The Voice Newspaper (Holland) Achievers Award – Outstanding Example in Leadership and Governance.
- 2013: Silverbird Man of the Year (shared with Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State).
- 2012: Business Hallmark Newspaper – Man of the Year.
- 2012: Most Financially Prudent Governor in Nigeria.
- 2012: Leadership and Good Governance Award – Ezeife Leadership Foundation (for restoring peace and stability in Anambra State).
- 2012: Best Performing Governor on Immunization in South-East Nigeria – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- 2012: Outstanding Financial Planner and Manager – Anglican Church of Nigeria.
- 2011: Zik Leadership Prize.
- 2010: ICT Governor of the Year – West Africa ICT Development Award.
- 2009: Champion Newspaper – Nigeria’s Most Trustworthy Governor Award.
- 2007: The Sun Newspaper – Man of the Year.
- UNDP/Nigerian MDGs Office: Best Governor in the Implementation of the MDGs in Nigeria.
Legacy & Impact
Peter Obi remains a symbol of integrity and progressive leadership in Nigeria. His emphasis on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development, and education reform continues to inspire a new generation of politicians and leaders. Through his national engagements and presidential ambition, he remains committed to reshaping Nigeria’s governance landscape and advocating for a more accountable, transparent, and inclusive government.
