We chose you despite Ohanaeze’s indecision, ‘because of principle and all that [you] promised to do for Nigeria’, Adebanjo explains
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“When we went to Abuja, Ohanaeze members told me that they have not decided whether to follow Peter Obi, because they are not a political party and I told them that if they are not following Obi, Afenifere will stand by him” – Adebanjo
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Peter Obi has attended another meeting Afenifere convened to buttress its support for him, five weeks after the last one in August, and just days after Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo declared the support of the group for him at a press conference.
We chose you to become President “because of principle and all that [you] promised to do for Nigeria,” Afenifere told him in its latest public declaration of backing for the former Anambra Governor.
Obi, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), attended the monthly meeting of Afenifere held at Adebanjo’s country home in Isanya Ogbo-Ijebu, Ogun State where he promised to restructure Nigeria if elected in 2023.
A source at the meeting told Vanguard Obi spoke extensively on his vision for Nigeria and how it can be transformed into where all Nigerians can be proud of, and where all can contribute based on individual competence without discrimination.
“In particular, he emphasised his commitment to restructuring Nigeria, to achieve justice, equity and rapid development,” the source said.
“He expressed his appreciation for the support of the Afenifere, for its courage in doing what is right for the nation at all times, even against initial opposition.”
Obi also promised not to let down Afenifere, the youth, and other Nigerians if elected.
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Afenifere reiterates support for Obi
Adebanjo reiterated Afenifere decided to follow Obi because of his vision to restructure Nigeria, according to reporting by Vanguard.
His words: “When we went to Abuja, Ohanaeze members told me that they have not decided whether to follow Peter Obi, because they are not a political party and I told them that if they are not following Obi, Afenifere will stand by him.
“So, when some people came to me here and said, we’ve not decided to follow Peter Obi, why are you shouting Obi, when the Igbo people said they have not decided to follow him, I told them that I am following Obi because of principle and all that he promised to do for Nigeria.”
Obi is like Obama, and Obasanjo may campaign for him, says Osuntokun
Obi on Monday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, sequel to several previous meetings.
The outcome of their meetings are usually not disclosed.
“I deeply appreciate the opportunity to hold extensive discussions with President Olusegun Obasanjo earlier today on arising national interest matters. As usual, the exchanges were forthright and animated,” Obi tweeted on Monday.
The meeting held a few days after Akin Osuntokun, who was a political adviser to Obasanjo in the Villa, disclosed the former President may be supporting Obi.
A political revolution that overcame all odds and made Barack Obama United States President in 2009 and gave him a second term in 2013 is in the offing in Nigeria in 2023 to shake off “the rotten status quo” and power Obi to Aso Rock, he said.
Osuntoke, now South West Labour Party (LP) leader, compared the youth support base of Obi with that of Obama.
“I think so,” he said when asked on Arise TV if Obasanjo is supporting Obi.
“Where I am (Labour Party) is consistent with the position I have taken in the past two years. Logically I am being consistent with my position,” he explained when asked why he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the LP.
He said for the country to move forward, Nigerians must reject both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the ballot box in 2023.