By Alex Enebeli
Enugu, Jan. 6, 2026 (NAN) – In a move rich with cultural and political symbolism, former Anambra State Governor and prominent figure, Mr. Peter Obi, led a delegation of esteemed Igbo leaders on a New Year homage to elder statesman and former Governor of old Anambra, Senator Jim Nwobodo. The visit, which took place on Tuesday at Nwobodo’s ancestral home in Amechi, Enugu State, underscores the enduring importance of generational respect and political consultation within Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone.
The delegation, which included political heavyweights such as Senator Ben Obi, Senator Sam Egwu, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Senator Gil Nnaji, represents a significant cross-section of Igbo political thought and influence. Their collective presence at the home of the 84-year-old Nwobodo is a powerful nod to the traditional Igbo value of Igwebuike (strength in unity and collective responsibility) and the respect accorded to elders (Ndị Okenye) as custodians of wisdom and political consensus.
Receiving the visitors, Senator Nwobodo, a foundational figure in Nigerian politics who served as the first Executive Governor of old Anambra State (1979-1983) and later as Minister of Sports, offered profound remarks that transcended mere pleasantries. He described Peter Obi as a “respectable and accepted candidate by all,” a public endorsement carrying immense weight given Nwobodo’s status as a bridge between multiple political eras.
More pointedly, Nwobodo framed the visit within the broader, decades-long quest for equitable political representation for the Igbo people in Nigeria. “Ndigbo deserved a better bargain in Nigeria from what they had been given in the past 56 years,” he stated, alluding to the post-civil war marginalization felt by many in the region. He urged Obi to remain steadfast, implicitly blessing his political pursuits. His emotional reference to the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (“Zik of Africa”), a founding father, “shaking and angry in his grave,” powerfully connected current aspirations to historical struggles for national integration and leadership. “We still pray God that one day an Igbo will be the president of Nigeria,” Nwobodo concluded, voicing a long-held regional ambition.
For his part, Peter Obi maintained that the visit was “strictly for New Year good wishes,” a customary practice of showing respect to elders at the start of the year. “We will come back to discuss politics and way forward,” he noted, carefully separating the ceremonial act of homage from explicit political strategizing, while clearly signaling future, more substantive consultations.
The political subtext, however, was illuminated by Senator Ben Obi, who described Nwobodo as the “Godfather” of South-East politics. He revealed that the visit was a pre-agreed courtesy following a meeting on December 26th and hinted at a future, more complete delegation that would formally brief Nwobodo on the “Nike Lake declaration of Mr Peter Obi into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).” This admission confirms that the New Year visit, while ritualistic, is intricately linked to ongoing realignments and the consolidation of support for Obi’s political platform ahead of future elections.
Analysis & Context: This event is more than a social call; it is a masterclass in Nigerian political etiquette. Paying homage to an elder statesman like Jim Nwobodo serves multiple purposes: it seeks moral and strategic blessing for a political project, demonstrates unity and respect for tradition to the public, and provides a forum for behind-the-scenes counsel. In the complex tapestry of Nigerian politics, where formal party structures often intertwine with informal networks of influence, such visits are crucial for building legitimacy and consensus. The gathering signals Peter Obi’s continued efforts to root his national ambitions in the endorsement of the South-East’s established political lineage, framing his candidacy not as an individual venture but as one carrying the hopes and historical grievances of a collective.
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
