Mr. Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has publicly addressed the recent "unfortunate and bitter" remarks made by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State. Despite Soludo's public outbursts, Obi affirmed that he harbors no personal grievance against the governor, stating that he has prayed for God to "grant him even greater heights." Obi conveyed these sentiments to journalists during the just-concluded All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2025) held at the Naval Base in Abuja.

Obi extended his congratulations to Governor Soludo on securing a second tenure and used the opportunity to urge him to respond to God’s mercies with humility, gratitude, and compassion. He emphasized that leadership should always be approached with "service, gratitude, and love for our people," rather than resentment. This appeal, released through a statement by his spokesman Ibrahim Umar, followed Soludo’s certificate-of-return ceremony, where Governor Soludo reportedly mocked his critics and referred to Obi as a “frustrated politician without a club,” additionally accusing him of damaging the education system in Anambra State.

Obi explained his decision to respond, stating he felt "compelled to respond" because silence in such circumstances might be misinterpreted. He expressed deep disappointment regarding Soludo's conduct at the ceremony: "On an occasion meant to celebrate his certificate of return, instead of thanking Almighty God for granting him a second tenure, a moment to demonstrate love and magnanimity, he chose to show bitterness and resentment. It was deeply unfortunate."

Addressing allegations about his involvement in the Anambra election, Obi clarified that his participation was minimal: "I only attended three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly where I was invited." He further asserted that "there was nothing I said to warrant controversy or speculation." Obi recounted witnessing irregularities on Election Day but maintained that he ensured calm in his community, reminding his people that "integrity must always take precedence over politics."

Reflecting on the nature of true leadership, Obi articulated that it is measured not by the contest for power but by "the courage to uphold fairness, restraint, and the dignity of our people, even in the most trying circumstances." He reiterated that leadership is about service, gratitude, and love, not resentment or bitterness.

In a spirited response to Soludo’s taunts concerning his political standing, Obi employed a football analogy: “If gubernatorial candidates are in the first division, I am in the Champions League.” He highlighted his national political trajectory, noting, "I ran for Vice President in 2019 and for President in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. My record speaks for itself." Furthermore, he recalled his historical tenure as governor of Anambra, mentioning, "In both the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our forties. I was the first to serve a second tenure."

Concluding his remarks, Obi reaffirmed that despite the controversy, he harbours no ill will towards Governor Soludo: "I pray that God grants him even greater heights, if that will inspire him to show humility, compassion, and a genuine concern for the people." He ended with a powerful reminder for all leaders: "We must recognise the mercies God grants us. Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness — it is about service, gratitude, and love for our people."