[2][3] He unsuccessfully contested the Kairuku-Hiri Open seat at the 2002 election for the People's Labour Party, losing to incumbent MP Sir Moi Avei.
He was an outspoken member of the opposition under Mekere Morauta, but in September 2010 defected to the government, joining Prime Minister Michael Somare's National Alliance Party.
He was one of four defecting MPs who withdrew their support for a proposed no-confidence motion against Somare in November, preserving his government.
[17] The by-election was held in February 2014, at which Aihi was defeated by National Alliance Party candidate Peter Isoaimo, who had been the successful petitioner in the court decision.
[19] After his by-election defeat, Aihi remained the chairman of the nationwide District Schools Survey Taskforce, which he had established while Minister for Education.