The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Governor Charles Soludo to embrace humility, gratitude, and compassion in the wake of what he described as the governor’s “unfortunate and bitter” public remarks. Speaking with journalists at the just-concluded Guild of Editors meeting held at the Naval Base, Abuja, Obi congratulated Soludo on securing a second term but advised him to respond to victory with grace rather than animosity.
Obi’s comments follow Soludo’s controversial outburst during his certificate-of-return ceremony, where the governor mocked his critics, referred to Obi as a “frustrated politician without a club,” and accused him of damaging the education system in Anambra.
“I feel compelled to respond because silence would be misinterpreted as avoidance,” Obi said, expressing disappointment at Soludo’s posture. “A certificate-of-return ceremony is a moment to thank God for His mercies, to show love and magnanimity. Instead, Governor Soludo chose bitterness. It was deeply unfortunate.”
Clarifying his role in the recent Anambra governorship election, Obi explained: “I attended only three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly on invitation. At no point did I mention anyone by name, nor did I meet with traditional rulers, market leaders, or any group to discuss candidates. Nothing I said warranted controversy or speculation.”
Recounting his experience on Election Day, Obi described how he quietly fulfilled his civic responsibility while observing irregularities and disruptions that could have escalated into violence. “When outsiders attempted to vote in our community, I intervened and advised restraint. Integrity must always outweigh politics. Leadership is not defined by the desire for power, but by the ability to uphold fairness, calm, and the dignity of our people — even in difficult moments,” he said.
Responding to Soludo’s ridicule, Obi employed a football metaphor: “Journalists questioned me on Election Day as though I was contesting. I reminded them that I left the governorship 13 years ago and moved to a higher level of national politics. If governorship candidates are in the first division, I am in the Champions League. I ran for Vice President in 2019 and for President in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. My record at that level speaks for itself.”
Obi also reflected on his age and accomplishments in Anambra State. “Among the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our forties. I was the first to serve a second tenure. I have no personal issue with Governor Soludo. I pray that God lifts him to even greater heights — if that will help him cultivate humility, compassion, and genuine concern for the people,” he stated.
He concluded with a broader appeal: “We must acknowledge the mercies God grants us. Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness; it is about service, gratitude, and love for our people.”
E-signed:
Ibrahim Umar
POMR Spokesman
November 15, 2025
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