Tony Okafor, Awka
There was wild jubilation as well as anger on Monday in Anambra State as the former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi, was elected the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2023 general elections.
While the development triggered joy in some beer parlours and other public places, some others expressed anger the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) schemed Obi out from its presidential primary that took place on 28, May, describing it as a sin against South-East.
Obi had last week withdrawn from presidential race of the PDP in controversial circumstances.
It was learnt that Obi’s defection was part of a grand plot to form a coalition that could defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.
In his letter of resignation addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Obi had said he was happy to have contributed to the growth of the PDP.
He further stated that recent developments within the party had made it impossible for him to continue in the race.
He added, “Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs. I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of our country.”
Obi had purchased the N40m form of the PDP and was screened to participate in the primary against 14 others.
Reacting to Obi’s emergence on Monday as the LP candidate in the 2023 poll, many people in the state described the development as a good step.
A journalism lecturer, Victor Agu said, ” It’s a good step for those who understand the right time to fight. For me, it is no longer about Obi. I see determination, strength of character, street smartness and a rallying point for Ndigbo to make a powerful political statement. It is to me far more potent than the struggle for a limiting secession.
“Once the target audience is gotten right, then the rave is on. It’s delicate. It can be mismanaged but it’s a strong proposition. Nothing is not a good place to be and obviously a wrong thing to do at this moment.
“I pray Ndigbo and all those who share in the kindred spirit of marginalization will appreciate the symbolism of the moment. I may have my personal reservations about the candidate but they are secondary at the moment.
“It’s now to encourage every imaginable platform you belong, students, professionals, family, village. Anywhere you have a say let them go get the PVC.
“It’s about a legitimate struggle for identity. I am in , for venting the anger of the political sin of not zoning the presidency to the South-East.”
For Jude Obiora, a community leader, “Next level is to sensitize the market people, artisans and even motor park touts so that it really becomes an unstoppable movement or force.”
Vilifying those who jettisoned the gentleman’s agreement in their political parties’ charter, Sunday Ike, a commentator on national issues, said: “We should now know that this marks the end of rotation in Nigeria which may never allow us to emerge as long as this party politics is concerned. We are always quick to see sense with the moves made to place us behind and argue strongly for those who perpetrate it.
“If we believe in Obi, why don’t we vote him and be happy we did and then see how the votes go. Victory is not just about your candidate winning. It is about standing on the side of what you believe in, the principles,etc.
“We should not defeat ourselves by believing the defeatist statement which says we cannot win for some reasons when we know that at least we can at least raise our hands and be counted for what we believe in and desire.
“Some person used to believe that the only way to a president of Igbo extraction is APC. What now?They are changing the goal post right before our eyes, just like PDP has already done?
“A new principle is being enacted which is- ‘no need for zoning in elections in Nigeria while the sister- the federal character will still continue’. It is being perfected in these primaries. Some of us may not see it yet but you can write it on your wall to remember we said it today.
“The only way to beat them is not to stick to parties (who will change their goal post when you are about to score) but to stick to individuals who we believe to carry in their traits the positive inclinations and qualities we all desire.
“I will vote for Mr Obi, he represents what I desire in a president. If he loses the election, at least I won by denying the other undesirable candidates of my endorsement.
“When all becomes courageous to take the risk of following our heart rather than the crowd, you may be surprised to discover that we are legion. I thank you for urging us to do so.”
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, in his acceptance speech, said inter Alia, “In the battle to re-take Nigerian, the odds are great and seemingly insurmountable, but with our commitment, patriotism and understanding that we are doing, what we are supposed to do for our country, lest she shall die, we shall move on discontent with what is and focused on enthroning what ought to be. In doing this, our battle cry shall remain: get your PVC and become part of this great libration!
“Our governance mission will be twin-tracked. Secure Nigeria in every ramification: national security, human security, food security and tackling insecurity created by unemployment.
“We will also seek to unite our nation by pulling our people out of poverty, and creating a new sense of nationalism and patriotism. Nigeria shall rise again: and her people will be proud to claim ownership of her patrimony. Doing so is in our collective national interest.
“As I earnestly thank Nigerians for their faith in me. In the days ahead I will publish our governance manifesto, which will spell out our top governance priorities. I assure you that no region; state, local government or communities will be left behind.
“I also assure you all that the struggle continues and that victory is certainly in sight towards the guarantee of a meaningful future for our youths and making this country a respected and viable member of a 21st century world, that places high value on production over consumption.”