PETER GREGORY OBI, 61, former Governor, businessman and politician, also, a vice presidential candidate in 2019, who ran with Atiku Abubakar, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; has come open, on Thursday, to declare his intention to run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2023. This time, he said he wants to be on his own, and vie for the presidency.
At Government House, Awka, Anambra State, Obi addressed royal fathers and presidents-general of 181 communities, and informed them that he decided to start the journey from his Anambra State, and decided, first, to inform the traditional rulers and PGs, as the custodians of the people, and seek their blessings.
“The reason I called you, therefore, is to officially inform you that I am aspiring for the president of Nigeria”, Obi told his respected audience. He said after careful consultation and study of the country, he noticed that the country was too divided, and promised to lead a “united and secure Nigeria” that will be able to attract investment.
Obi said, the Nigeria he will lead will “create jobs, boost our economy, improve education”, and “turn around the country for better”. He will move Nigeria from consuming nation to productive nation. And as a Nigerian, “I want all parts of the country to be secured”. He said he was aspiring, not just for political position, but to serve the country.
And added: “Let me assure you that I will seriously contest for the president of Nigeria on the platform of the PDP”. Obi said he was talking to the traditional rulers because “if somebody begins any journey, he must first tell his fathers. I am telling you as my fathers that I am coming out to contest the position of the president of Nigeria”.
Profiling his candidature, Obi said “everything I have done regarding resources, I have managed them proudly. I want to move this country forward. I am a Nigeria, I believe in one united Nigeria, and I want it secured.” And if voted as president, he will “secure Nigeria, create jobs for the teaming youths of the country and pull Nigeria out of poverty.”
Zonal chairmen from the three senatorial zones, on behalf of the traditional rulers, said they will support Obi’s aspiration and pledged to assist him realize his ambition, and gave him their blessings.
