Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has expressed an unwavering commitment to his marriage, stating that no matter what his wife does, he will never separate from her.
In a candid interview on the popular YouTube podcast The Honest Bunch, Obi, 63, emphasized that divorce would never be an option for him, even in extreme situations.
“No matter what my wife does today, I will never stop being married to her, and I will never separate from her,” Obi said.
“Even if she were to take a gun to shoot me, I will never leave her. As long as I am alive, I won’t marry another woman. She is my wife.”
Obi, who married Margaret in 1992, also discussed how their differing lifestyles do not affect his commitment to their union.
He explained that while his wife might travel in first class, he is content flying economy, illustrating his belief that personal preferences should not impact their bond. The couple has two children, Gabrielle Nwamaka and Oseloka Obi.
Obi’s comments on marriage, however, were just one aspect of his interview, which sparked heated debates across the country. The former governor also addressed Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, proposing controversial ideas such as transforming night vigils into night shifts to boost national productivity.
He expressed dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s current state, arguing that the focus on religion and politics has hindered economic development.
“We live in a largely unproductive society, which is why politics and religion seem to be the only things that seem attractive here,” Obi said, suggesting that a shift in priorities was needed for the country’s growth.
Obi’s remarks on religion stirred backlash, particularly his suggestion to “dismantle” the influence of politics and religion.
However, his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, quickly issued a statement clarifying that Obi had not called for the dismantling of churches in Nigeria, but rather was advocating for a more productive approach to worship and work.
“Obi is a man of strong faith who respects all religions,” Umar stated, adding that Obi’s suggestion to turn night vigils into work shifts was meant to emphasize the importance of combining faith with productivity, following the teachings of Apostle James, who said “Faith without works is unhelpful.”
Despite the clarifications, Obi’s comments have sparked ongoing debates, with some criticizing him for undermining religious traditions, while others support his call for a more work-focused society to tackle Nigeria’s pressing challenges.