“I Was Governor For 8 Years, Yet My Brother Asked For Nothing!” — Peter Obi’s Revelation Triggers Fresh Debate On Political Families

By Passman Akpos

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi has celebrated his eldest brother, Dominic Ositadimma Obi, who clocked 75 on Sunday, August 30, 2026, describing him as an exemplary man whose integrity and humility have remained a source of pride to the family.

Obi, in a birthday tribute, said his celebration of Dominic was not simply because he was his elder brother or because of his age, but because of the values he had demonstrated throughout his life.

According to Obi, during his eight years as Governor of Anambra State, his elder brother never visited his office or the Governor’s Lodge to seek personal favours or government patronage

Obi disclosed that although Dominic was a planner and contractor who built houses for people, he never asked him for a government contract throughout his tenure.

The former governor said his brother instead used their encounters to encourage him to remain faithful to the promises he made to the people and protect the reputation of their family and community.

“Whenever we met, he would warmly embrace me and tell me that he was fine. He would then solemnly remind me to keep doing what I promised the people and never bring a bad name to the family and my community,” Obi recalled.

He said Dominic would also remind him that whatever challenges he was facing were insignificant compared with the difficulties confronting many other Nigerians, urging him to continue doing his best for society.

‘My Family Agreed Not To Exploit My Position’

Obi further revealed that Dominic’s conduct was part of a broader decision taken by members of the Obi family before or during his time in office.

He said the family had held a meeting and resolved that none of its members would exploit his position as governor for personal advantage.

According to him, the decision was driven by the desire to protect the good name he was building for the Obi family and their community of Agulu.The former governor added that the same principle was extended to his children.

Obi said he later came to appreciate that his brother’s refusal to seek favours from government was therefore not an isolated personal decision, but reflected a family-wide commitment to integrity and restraint.

‘Serve Nigeria With Honesty’

Reflecting on Dominic’s concerns about the country at 75, Obi said his elder brother remains deeply interested in Nigeria’s future.

He disclosed that whenever they speak, Dominic offers prayers and encouragement while reminding him that any opportunity to serve Nigeria must be approached with honesty, integrity and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

Obi described his brother’s integrity, humility, contentment and sense of responsibility as qualities deserving of celebration.

“Brother Dom, I thank God for the gift of your life and for the example you have set for our family,” Obi said.

He prayed that God would continue to grant his brother good health, abundant grace and blessings.

“Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother,” Obi concluded.

The tribute has also drawn attention to the former governor’s account of a family culture in which relatives deliberately avoided leveraging political office for contracts and personal benefits—a practice Obi presented as part of the values he believes should guide public service.