A seven-year-old girl has appreciated a former two-term Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, thanking him for “fighting for us” at the protest by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja on Wednesday.
This followed the de-recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Among those at the protest were Obi; Mark; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; leader of the Kwankwashiya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso; former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; former Minister and National Secretary of the de-recognised ADC leadership, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
While Obi was weaving through the crowd, the seven-year-old girl walked up to Obi, hugging him.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 polls asked her: “What’s your name, my daughter?”
The girl, glowing with excitement, whispered her name and said she had seen him on the news.
When Obi asked what she wanted to say, she responded: “Thank you for fighting for us.”
She said she was on holiday from school and hoped for a positive change.
The interaction, according to the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), captivated everyone around, drawing attention to the sweet exchange.
The POMR said: “It was striking to see how deeply current events affected even young children.
“Obi held her tiny hands and took a full minute just to chat with her, momentarily putting aside the rush of cameras and his packed schedule.
“He encouraged her to stay in school, listen to her parents, and assured her that today’s struggle to ensure kids like her wouldn’t have to protest in the future.
“As the girl was led back to her emotional parents, Obi watched her for a moment longer, his expression reflecting a mix of pride and concern.
“In a day filled with divisions and complex political discussions, that brief hug served as a beautiful reminder of the ‘human angle’ that’s often overlooked: behind every political movement are children wishing for a bright and fearless future.
“The appearance of that little girl in such a lively setting felt like a meaningful sign from above—an encouraging message for a man who has dedicated so much of his own resources to help those in need.
“His political mission is deeply rooted in lifting people out of poverty because everyone deserves a chance at a better life in a country blessed with abundant resources.
“A new Nigeria that is possible will make a protest unnecessary for the generation of this girl child.”
