I got a call from an old friend from the North who recently also won a seat in the National Assembly, we speak frankly and respectfully to each other. He told me that Obi has been the subject of discussion in the North since the February 25th elections. Frankly, no one took his style of politics seriously and most of the thinking amongst the Northern Elite is that he is on a wild goose chase buy alas,his impact has now subjected many to critical thinking and deep reflection. I took time to explain to him about the Peter Obi Brand and why there might not be someone like him in the political space in the nearest future.
Two things define Peter Obi majorly. Number one is his deep knowledge and understanding of business. For someone who started business in his teen and became a success, multi millionaire by 30,he is an encyclopedia of business success.
Peter Obi isn’t casually a trader as he likes selling himself, he is actually a Brand Manager.
What Peter has done over the years is to manage International Brands. Next International he owns is a Brand Management company.
Peter over the years has understudied brand penetration, brand positioning and brand representation.
What Peter Obi did in politics was to simply translate his deep understanding of the Market and Brand Management into politics.
He knew from day one that the market will resist his brand for a while because it’s different, however experience also has taught him that being unique and creating a niche is the best strategy to penetrate the market and make a mark, it only takes patience and time.
The second thing that defines Peter Obi is his understanding of human nature and society and this could be traced to having studied philosophy or probably being a devout catholic. The Catholic Church is probably the most effective functional Institution in the world with great tradition and culture. It can offer one a deep insight to history.
Peter Obi lives in a Time Machine, he appears to see the beginning from the end and most times in his political journey people tend to misunderstand him and assume he knows not what he is doing and severally he proves them wrong,he is extremely visionary and intuitive.
Peter is certain that one day there will be a genuine clamor for change, he knows society evolves. He prepared himself for Nigeria of today, nothing takes him by surprise.
The Peter Obi Brand illuminates, it’s a Brand moulded and nurtured to give out light.
He knows that this political culture of rascality isn’t sustainable and people will someday desire genuine change.
The last stanza of Robert Frost’s Poem.. “The Road not Taken” summarizes the man Peter Obi.
… I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Chikezie Chiedu
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