Obi secured the ticket of the Labour Party after another presidential aspirant on the platform of the party, Prof. Pat Utomi, stepped down
Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has emerged the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Obi recently resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over fears that the party’s presidential ticket would be auctioned to the highest bidder. A PDP aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also stepped down from the race over what he described as obscene monetisation of the process.
Obi secured the ticket of the Labour Party after another presidential aspirant on the platform of the party, Prof. Pat Utomi, endorsed him and stepped down.
Obi only joined the party last week.
Utomi, a renowned professor of political economy, stepped down and endorsed Obi on Monday at the venue of the party’s presidential primaries in Delta.
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The 3rd Force Movement under the umbrella of the National Consultative Front, NCFront, had on Sunday called on more leaders of conscience in the country to quickly join the Labour Party, following its adoption by the 3rd Force Movement as the alternative ‘Big Tent’ for the 2023 elections.
The 3rd Force Movement was initiated to create a strong platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both of which have had opportunities to lead Nigeria and failed.
A statement signed by Ms Bilikis Bello, the Communications Executive (National) of the NCFront disclosed this on Sunday.
Obi left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week, blaming recent developments in the party for his defection.
He did so in a letter dated May 25, 2022, and titled, ‘Resignation From Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Withdrawal from the Presidential Contest.’
The PDP had fixed May 28 and May 29 for its presidential primary.
Obi’s letter addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, had said, “I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, which was conveyed to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2. Anaocha LGA Anambra, effective Friday 20 May 2022. Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal for (sic) the PDP Presidential Primaries.
“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.
“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 the country.”
Obi was the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential election. Both of them will now face each other at the presidential election in 2023, as Atiku on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP.