Peter Obafemi Results Over Promises

At the Ikoyi Club’s golf course, Dr. Peter Obafemi discusses business, betrayal, ambition, and his campaign for the Senate, arguing that Nigeria needs fewer grand promises and more measurable results. Golf serves as an ideal setting to discuss politics due to its emphasis on patience, judgment, and recovery from setbacks, as well as its ability to reveal character.

Obafemi, known as OPO, is a businessman with interests in aviation, security, property, agriculture, and consulting. He appears comfortable in demanding environments and brings that confidence to the golf course. He is also a politician who has previously run for governor in Ekiti State and is now pursuing a Senate seat for Ekiti North.

Obafemi believes politics should be evaluated based on results rather than promises made during elections. His business background includes Eagle Airways and Hawkeye Protective Services Limited, which provide aviation security and guarding services across Nigeria. He recounts his political journey, which began after being encouraged by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to return from America and participate in politics.

After initially seeking the governorship, Obafemi shifted his focus to the Senate after facing tough competition in the governorship race. He asserts that infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, as poor roads and limited industrial activity deter potential investors. Obafemi aims to use his Senate position to connect investors with infrastructure and local economic opportunities.

He also plans to promote agriculture, large-scale farming, ranching, and agro-processing to create employment and strengthen rural communities. Additionally, he is interested in improving struggling industries such as dairy farming and clay-brick manufacturing. Obafemi emphasizes that the government should create an enabling environment for businesses rather than directly running them.

His approach to development, while appealing, will require him to translate his commercial instincts into legislative and supervisory results in the Senate, where his powers are limited compared to executive roles.