Pete Edochie Explains Choice of Awolowo as Favourite Politician

Kehinde Adeleye

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has named the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as his favourite Nigerian politician, citing the former Premier of the Western Region’s developmental record and transparency.

Edochie made the disclosure during a recent episode of Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by content creator BaeU.

The Nollywood legend said although he is not actively involved in politics, Awolowo stood out to him for the initiatives he introduced during his time in public office.

According to Edochie, Awolowo demonstrated an unusual level of transparency by explaining how his proposed projects would be funded before embarking on them.

“I am not into politics but if you ask me who is or was my favourite politician, I will tell you it is Obafemi Awolowo,” Edochie said.

He also credited Awolowo with pioneering major developments in Nigeria, including the establishment of a television station and the introduction of free primary education in the Western Region.

“Awolowo brought television to Nigeria in 1959. It was the first in Africa. And we in the East started using television in 1960. He also introduced free primary education,” he said.

Edochie, however, noted that Awolowo never achieved his ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president despite his political influence and developmental contributions.

“Regrettably, he never became president,” the actor added.