Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has reiterated his decision to forgo birthday celebrations due to the country’s precarious state.
Maintaining his stance of abstaining from birthday festivities for the past two decades, Obi affirmed his commitment to continue this practice.
In a statement posted on his official Twitter account on Monday, Obi disclosed that he would be turning 62 on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023. Despite facing pressure from his supporters, including members of the Obedient Family and Labour Party, to commemorate the occasion, he urged them to redirect their efforts toward assisting the less fortunate.
Wednesday 19th July 2023, marks my 62nd Birthday. 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.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 17, 2023Instead of presenting him with gifts, Obi encouraged well-wishers to extend their kindness to hospitals, orphanages, and facilities catering to the disabled and elderly. By emphasizing the significance of supporting vulnerable and marginalized segments of society through such donations, he highlighted the importance of compassion and solidarity.
While acknowledging the myriad challenges confronting Nigeria, Obi remained resolute in his belief that a functional and prosperous nation is still within reach. He implored citizens to maintain hope and persevere in their pursuit of a better Nigeria.
Despite Obi’s decision not to celebrate his birthday, some friends, Labour Party members, and supporters from the OBIdient Family have expressed their desire to join him in commemorating the day and even offer gifts.
