Peter Obi Reacts to Renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop, Explains Why He Never Commissioned Projects as Governor
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has spoken publicly about the recent controversy surrounding the renaming of the popular “Charly Boy Bus Stop” in Lagos.
Addressing the issue, Obi explained that his absence from the renaming event had nothing to do with politics or protest but rather stemmed from the simple fact that he had no involvement in the commissioning of the project in question.
In a statement shared via his official platform, Obi clarified that during his time as governor, he refrained from organizing ceremonial project commissioning, preferring instead to focus on completing projects and leaving them for public use without political fanfare.
“I never commissioned a single project while in office. I believe that projects are not for showmanship but for service. That is why I didn’t attend or react to the renaming of the bus stop—I had no personal or administrative connection to it,” Obi stated.
His comment comes amid public discussion sparked by the decision of the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos to rename the “Charly Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” in honour of Nigerian music star Olamide.
The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, including legal experts and civil society groups, who question both the legality and intent of the change.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) criticised the renaming, stating that local councils do not possess constitutional authority to rename public infrastructure without consultation or legislative backing.
Other prominent voices, such as activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, accused the LCDA of engaging in politically motivated erasure aimed at silencing dissenting voices like Charly Boy, who has been outspoken on governance issues.
Charly Boy himself downplayed the move, stating that while names on signs can be changed, legacies cannot be erased.
“They may remove the sign, but they can’t remove my impact,” he remarked, calling on citizens to focus more on the coming 2027 general elections than symbolic distractions.
Obi, for his part, used the opportunity to reiterate his position on leadership and governance. He urged Nigerians to shift their attention from symbolic gestures and political theatrics to the urgent task of rebuilding the nation through credible governance and active civic participation.
“What we need now is not the renaming of bus stops, but the rebuilding of Nigeria. Our focus should be on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and fighting corruption,” he said.
The former governor’s comments appear to be an effort to distance himself from the growing politicization of the event while reinforcing his commitment to practical governance over ceremonial politics.
As reactions continue to trail the bus stop renaming, Obi’s intervention offers a measured perspective—one that calls for seriousness, accountability, and a deeper national focus ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
