Born around 1919 at Winditen, Zodi came from a wealthy Tuareg family; his father was a prominent person from Taghagar.
Starting in 1948, he became active in the Nigerien teachers trade union movement.
The next year he was elected to the Nigerien Territorial Assembly, representing Filingué, and to the Grand Council of French West Africa.
He lost his seat, being roundly defeated by Condat's new list, the Nigerien Action Bloc.
[1] After the election Zodi and his followers regrouped, and on March 6, 1957 they formed a new party called the Nigerien Democratic Front (FDN).
[1] When the first government of the Republic of Niger was formed on December 31, 1958, Zodi was appointed Minister of Education, Youth and Sports.