The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said on Sunday that he is more burdened by the scale of “suffering” and “deprivation” among Nigerians than celebrating his 64th birthday, which took place on Saturday.

He recommended that to address the situation, leaders should apply public funds for the “public good.”

Obi took to his X handle to express gratitude to all those who wished him well at 64, saying that though he had rarely celebrated his birthdays, he couldn’t afford not to express appreciation for the momentous show of love.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra, gave specific examples of how funds donated for his birthday in the past were sacrificed to provide needed facilities to serve the people as opposed to using the money for his personal comfort.

He wrote, “Recall vividly when I turned 50, during my time as Governor. Many institutions and individuals approached me with elaborate plans for the occasion.

READ ALSO:Obi Berates Tinubu For ‘Ignoring’ Benue, Says No Value For Human Lives

“One institution generously offered to build a house for me in the village. When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million. I humbly requested that the funds be redirected to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching.

“Another group had budgeted ₦20 million for a lavish party. I graciously asked them to consider using the funds to purchase desktop computers for schools. Their eventual donation of 200 desktops was distributed to schools across the state, enhancing learning for many students.

“In a similar spirit of redirection, another organisation, whose intention had originally been to celebrate me, ended up donating buses, which we distributed to institutions in need, including one that went to the legendary Old Rangers Association.

“This has been my consistent approach over the years. On each birthday, I use the opportunity to redirect goodwill towards causes that uplift others.”

READ ALSO:‘His Security Is Not Guaranteed,’ Okpehbolo Warns Obi Not To Come To Edo Without Informing Him

The former presidential candidate recalled that on Saturday, the day of his 64th birthday, his thoughts were more about the current state of affairs in the country and not himself.

He said, “As I turned 64 years old yesterday, I must confess that the current state of our nation makes the idea of personal merriment even more difficult to contemplate. The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience.

“This is why I have once again requested that all those who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”

He added that on his part, he had chosen to renew his commitment to continue supporting the institutions of state in the best way he could, especially those that directly served the people.

READ ALSO:Why Peter Obi Must Get Security Clearance Before Coming To Edo — APC Chair, Tenebe

Obi further stated, “Providentially, I was in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, and my birthday coincided with this visit.

“I used this sacred opportunity, as I always do when I am in Nigeria, to remember you all in prayer. I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria, that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good.

“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has backed the state governor’s stance on Peter Obi, insisting that the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate must seek security clearance before entering the state.

Tenebe said the warning said the warning to Obi by the state governor was prompted by security concerns stemming from his (Obi) previous visit to Edo.

According to Tenebe, the last time Obi came to Edo, the visit led to the death of three people.

READ ALSO: ‘His Security Is Not Guaranteed,’ Okpehbolo Warns Obi Not To Come To Edo Without Informing Him

“The party believes the governor was right in warning Peter Obi to get security clearance before coming into the state because of the opinion people have about him here, especially considering that during his last visit, three people were killed,” Tenebe stated.

He made the remarks shortly after the APC announced Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion as the party’s candidates for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, respectively.

Tenebe also vowed that the APC would run an intense campaign ahead of the 2024 governorship election to assert that it was the rightful winner of the last election.

“Now that we have our candidates, we will hit the ground running. We are going to campaign as if we have never won elections in this state. We want to let the people know that we actually won the last governorship election,” he added.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the state of electricity in the country, citing his campaign promise to provide stable power supply to Nigerians within four years.

In a statement shared on social media Sunday morning, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, reminded the president of his vow to deliver uninterrupted power supply, referencing an old campaign video where Tinubu pledged to end estimated billing and ensure 24/7 electricity across the country.

Abdullahi wrote, “Good morning, Nigerians. Today, we just want to take some time to remind President Tinubu that he promised Nigerians uninterrupted electricity within four years. Yes, that’s right, Mr. President promised us 24/7 power. All by himself.”

READ ALSO:Why I Support ADC’s Coalition But Remain In PDP — Lamido

Abdullahi went on to list the administration’s alleged shortcomings in the power sector, noting that since Tinubu assumed office, electricity tariffs have surged by 240%, while the national grid has collapsed 12 times.

“Over 90 million Nigerians still lack electricity, while many get just 4 to 6 hours a day under Tinubu’s failed Band A–E system. In rural communities, most of Nigeria’s 50 million families remain completely off the grid, with no access to electricity at all,” he added.

He accused the government of showing “no major power sector reforms, no clear roadmap, and no sense of urgency” more than two years into its tenure.

“We are past the halfway mark of this administration, and millions of Nigerians are still charging their phones at mobile charging kiosks, and spending hundreds of thousands to fuel their generators.

READ ALSO:ADC Unveiled In Benue, Woo Gov Alia

“Where is the light? What happened to your promise? And how much longer do Nigerians have to wait in the dark?”

He then cited Tinubu’s campaign words, stating: “Mr. President, you once said: ‘If I don’t give you electricity, don’t vote for me.’ Well, Nigerians are listening. And come 2027, we intend to grant your wish.”

The campaign video shared by Abdullahi featured Tinubu saying: “Whichever way by all means necessary you must have electricity. And you will not pay the estimated bill anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept. If I don’t keep my promise and I come back for a second time, don’t vote for me.”