Supporters of the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, also known as the ‘Obidients’, in Abia State, have urged former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to abandon his presidential ambition in 2027 and support Obi for the African American Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket.
They made the call during their huge rallies on Saturday to commemorate the Anambra born politician’s 64th birthday.
The peaceful event known as the ‘one million man-march for Obi’ took place simultaneously in Umuahia, the state capital, Aba, the commercial nerve centre, Ohafia, and Uzuakoli towns.
Addressing reporters in Umuahia, Abia State Chairman of the Organising Committee and one of the state’s Obidients Coordinators, Dr Chibuzor Obiesili, urged Atiku to abandon his presidential ambition in favour of the former governor of Anambra state, who has a speedy solution to Nigeria’s problems.
He commended the former Vice President’s efforts and contributions to moving Nigeria forward, but urged him to take a back seat and support the former governor of Anambra state’s presidential campaign.
He praised Atiku and other opposition figures for building the alliance opposing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, but recommended the coalition to hand over its presidential ticket to the South.
When asked why the movement is pulling for him, he stated that the former Anambra State governor “has the pedigree, track record of integrity, and national appeal.”
“We thank those behind the formation of the coalition. But we appeal that the coalition should consider Obi for its presidential ticket because he has the national appeal needed to uproot the ruling APC.
“We plead with Atiku to please step aside for Obi. Atiku has tried his best for Nigeria but his greatest sacrifice and gift to Nigeria will be to support Obi get the ADC presidential ticket in 2027 so that Nigeria can move forward. Nigeria needs an Obi for a quick fix, and in the interest of all. He has what is needed to pull Nigeria out of the woods!”
He stated at the birthday gathering that it was a voluntary action for what he “represents and stands for”.
He claimed that the former governor’s constant advocacy for Nigeria’s poor and oppressed masses had won over many people from all political parties, religions, and ethnicities.
He said that the Anambra born politician “has shown exemplary leadership. His lifestyle and passion for the masses are worth emulating. He is a man of character, integrity and compassion. That’s why we are celebrating him.
“We haven’t seen a politician in Nigeria today who is as clean and transparent as he. If one comes up tomorrow, we will also celebrate the person, but for now, we haven’t seen any.”
