Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has shared his experience of receiving federal support during his gubernatorial crisis, contrasting it with what he describes as today’s more hostile political environment.
Speaking in a media coverage by Symfoni TV, Obi recounted how former President Musa Yar’adua provided military escort to bring him to Aso Rock Villa after his impeachment was overturned. Obi claims the current administration is suppressing opposition parties, unlike during his time in office.
“I became a governor through the court, when President Obasanjo and Atiku were in government. I did not pay the Court one naira. I was sitting in my house, and the court declared me winner, and I became governor. It can’t happen in Nigeria today,” Obi stated.
He described how even during his impeachment crisis, he received unexpected support: “When I was being impeached, the president sent people to come and intervene on my behalf. Ken Nnamani came begging the House not to impeach me. Today, the president impeaches the person. They were begging my house not to impeach me, and they were in PDP; I was in APGA.”
Obi further detailed personal interactions with former presidents: “President Obasanjo was calling me and saying, ‘Peter, are you okay?’ And also, when the Court eventually declared me winner under President Yar’adua, he called my phone in London, saying, ‘Congrats.'”
According to Obi, he initially hesitated to return to Nigeria: “I said, ‘President, I can’t come back because of these people.’ He said, ‘Tell me the flight you’re coming back on,’ and I told him. And when I returned, the military people came to receive me here at the airport. I couldn’t believe it. And they took me straight to him. Now, the president will ask me not to come back here again.