By Jude Atupulazi
More than a year after the controversial 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria, one man still stands tallest of all those he contested with. That man is Mr Peter Obi who contested on the platform of the Labour Party, LP. According to the nation’s electoral umpire, the Independent (how independent?) National Electoral Commission, INEC, Obi came third in the fiercely fought contest, behind Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP; and Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling and still ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. There was a fourth man who came fourth, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP.
Although the election has come and gone, with Tinubu carrying on today as the country’s president, many still regard Obi as the people’s president. He has been far more popular than all his opponents, including the current president and wherever he goes, he pulls the crowd along with him.
Apart from the serving president, Obi has been the most visible of the other two and has been traversing the length and breadth of the country donating to schools, hospitals and the less privileged. He has also during this period been the only opposition voice as the Atiku and Kwankwaso seem to have disappeared from the scene to perhaps resurface as the round of elections nears.
Simply put, Obi has been the voice of ordinary Nigerians to whom he has continued to preach his message of the possibility of a New Nigeria. It was this message that Obi took to Nigerians in diaspora, April 14, when he interacted with them in West Orange, New Jersey.
It was organised by a group known as Naija We Can, a first-of-its-kind non-profit Nigeria-focused 527 U.S. political organization, founded by U.S.-based Nigerian professionals. They hosted a landmark Town Hall event at the Life Church Theatre, featuring Obi. The event, titled “Appreciation Town Hall: A Conversation with Peter Obi,” was marked by impassioned discussions, visionary insights, and a resounding call to action by Naija We Can’s leadership for a brighter future for Nigeria.
The Town Hall event provided Mr. Peter Obi with the opportunity to thank various U.S.-based Nigerians who supported his candidacy during the 2023 Presidential Elections. While Mr. Obi made clear that the elections and campaigning were over, he asserted that the discussion on nation building must continue, and in that context, offered his insights into the current challenges facing Nigeria, discussed how some of the challenges could be addressed, as well the vital role of the diaspora community in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Mr. Obi expressed his profound gratitude for the unwavering support he received during the 2023 Presidential Campaign. He also took various live questions from the audience and spent some time taking pictures and selfies with numerous supporters who were excited to hear from him.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Naija We Can Board Member, Dr. Hadiza Osuji, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at a top-ranked U.S. university, and the executive director of a non-profit organisation focused on African immigrant families and communities.
Dr. Osuji set the tone for the evening, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and collective action in shaping Nigeria’s future. Naija We Can founder, Nexus Sea, a litigation and trial partner at a top ranked New York law firm, also addressed the attendees, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Nigeria of their dreams. His impassioned words resonated with the audience, inspiring renewed determination and resolve to stay the course.
Dr. Emmanuel U. Emeasoba, who sits on the Naija We Can advisory board and is an Internal Medicine Physician and cardiology fellow, delivered a powerful message urging the diaspora to turn their financial power into political might by supporting candidates like Mr. Peter Obi and organizations like Naija We Can.
In his speech, Obi noted that together, Nigerians could overcome current challenges, embrace opportunities, and create a nation where every citizen would thrive.
He said, ‘As we embark on the journey ahead, let us carry with us the lessons learned, the bonds forged, and the unwavering resolve to build a brighter future for Nigeria. Together, we can overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and create a nation where every citizen thrives. Thank you for your unwavering support, and let us continue to move forward with courage, compassion, and hope.’
The former Governor of Anambra State further noted that the question and answer session at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, reaffirmed the commitment of Nigerians in Diaspora to making a difference in the lives of others.
According to him, ‘Together, as a community united by shared values and aspirations, we have the power to shape a future defined by compassion, opportunity, and justice for all. The interactive Questions and Answer session and Thank You Tour in Boston Massachusetts on April 13, 2024, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue with members of the Obidient Family and the new Nigeria die-hards in Massachusetts.
Together, we delved into pressing issues and charted a course toward positive change, fueled by a collective commitment to progress and unity.’
He said that as they gathered at the Life Christian Church Auditorium in West Orange, New Jersey, alongside the Obidient Family, the spirit of resilience and optimism resonated deeply.
He added that Dr. Nexus Sea and the #Nijawecanteam from NYC/NJ epitomized the power of community and solidarity in driving meaningful transformation.
‘The many other group meetings and discussions created deeply meaningful dialogues and connections, each contributing to our shared journey of growth and progress,’ Obi said.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to those whose dedication and passion inspired them to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities.
Popular New York emcee, Olu Faloye, also known as “Humble Prince,” served as the master of ceremonies, infusing the event with energy, enthusiasm, humour, and a sense of unity. Central to the evening’s proceedings was the presentation of Naija We Can’s prestigious “Architect of Change Award” to Mr. Peter Obi.
Naija We Can Advisory Board Member, Dr. Henrietta Ukwu, a distinguished physician, infectious diseases expert, professor, and renowned author of the landmark textbook, “Global Regulatory Systems,” took the stage to present the prestigious award to Mr. Peter Obi, on behalf of Naija We Can. Joining Dr. Ukwu on stage were other esteemed Naija We Can board members who also graced the event: Chibuzo Everist Njeze, a highly accomplished pharmacist and entrepreneur; Emeka C. Chinwuba, Esq., a respected partner at an international law firm based in New York, specializing in project development and financing transactions; and Uche Emelumadu, Esq., the esteemed founding partner at Madu, Edozie, P.C., a prestigious boutique New York law firm established in 1993.
Their presence emphasized the diverse professional expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence within Naija We Can’s leadership and the Nigerian diaspora’s professional community. The Naija We Can advisory board also includes Osi Umenyiora, a British-Nigerian former American football player and two-time Super Bowl Champion (XLII, XLVI); and Ibrahim H. Abdulkarim, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EasyGIS limited and the convenor of the We2geda Movement, which spearheaded various crowdfunding projects, including the 2015 Presidential Elections crowdfunding campaign under the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO).
Together, these esteemed board members exemplify the dedication, expertise, and passion driving Naija We Can’s mission to empower Nigerians in the diaspora and effect positive change in Nigeria. Through their collective efforts and visionary leadership, Naija We Can continues to be at the forefront of advocating for good governance, fostering civic engagement, and amplifying the voices of the Nigerian diaspora.
Naija We Can is a leading organization dedicated to mobilizing and empowering Nigerians in the diaspora to drive positive change and development in Nigeria. Through advocacy, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives, Naija We Can strives to harness the collective potential and economic resources of the diaspora community to address pressing challenges and advance the common good. On September 6, 2022, Naija We Can endorsed Peter Obi as its preferred candidate in the 2023 Nigerian Presidential Elections.
Naija We Can can be reached through Dr Hadiza Osuji Naija We Can Community@naija.org.
