Turning 65 is a milestone moment worthy of rolling out the drums. But for someone with Peter Obi’s political heft and impact on the country, many would say he wasn’t adequately celebrated on the day as should be. Those with this thinking insist that the situation would have been different if the former Anambra State governor realised his political ambition in 2023.

Opposition politics in Nigeria is definitely not for the faint hearted. When Peter Obi publicly lamented that acquaintances no longer greet him at the airport for fear of witchhunt by the state, the extent of the ostracism was lost on most. But with the way several interests went about Sunday, July 19, as if it wasn’t the day Obi was born kinda affirms the suspicion that publicly identifying with the NDC presidential candidate comes with a cost.

Felicitating with governors and politically exposed persons on their birthdays with expensive cakes and advertorials on mainstream and digital media is a prevalent practice. Goodwill gestures come in torrents that some public office holders try to evade the distraction by pleading ahead of the special day, that the money for cakes and media advertorials be diverted to charitable causes. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu made such request when they celebrated their birthdays a few months ago.

But as Obi marked his day on Sunday, July 19, 2026, mum was the word from certain persons and institutions who would have been head over heels trying to outdo themselves in celebrating him had he been in power.

As was reported, Governor Alex Otti, Obi’s running mate in the 2027 election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Aminu Tambuwal were among the few who showed camaraderie by felicitating with him. Surprisingly however, a staunch critic of the NDC presidential candidate, Reno Omokri, posted some kind words for Obi on his birthday.

Do you think those who were silent don’t care about Obi or shied away from his birthday out of fear of recriminations? And do you agree that the situation would have been different if Obi wasn’t in the opposition? Let’s have your take.