The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, says he will not celebrate his 62nd birthday due to the myriad of challenges confronting the country.
In a statement shared on his Twitter page on Monday, Mr Obi said although his friends, family and supporters sought a celebration, he would not rescind his two-decade decision of not celebrating his birthday amid the “deplorable ” state of the country.
“Wednesday, 19th July 2023, marks my 62nd Birthday,” said the former Anambra governor. “While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation.”
Rather than accede to requests of families and friends, Mr Obi urged those who wish to offer him gifts to commemorate his birthday to channel the gesture to the needy.
“ Let me humbly and respectfully appeal to all those who desire to celebrate me with any kind of gifts to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times
“ I urge them to visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities and offer them such generous gifts. They can also visit schools of basic studies in remote areas and support them with the basic amenities they need,” Mr Obi said.
The Labour Party flag bearer made a case for the rising insecurity, violence and bloodshed in the country as one of the reasons he chose not to celebrate his birthday.
He cited the recent attacks in Mangu LGA Plateau State, which claimed over 200 lives and the recent killings in Benue, where over 100 people died.
Mr Obi emphasised that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must start with everyone, including the leaders and the well-placed in the society.
He stated that he longs to celebrate in a new and productive Nigeria where the lives and properties of its citizens are secure.
“ I want to celebrate a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of. This, and not my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians,” Mr Obi added.
The former Anambra governor, after defecting from the PDP in 2022, became the anointed candidate of youths’ who sought a change in Nigeria’s political helm of affairs.
