Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has finally declared his intention to contest for the Presidency in 2023 under the platform the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Peter Obi Declares For President
The ex-governor, who is the vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 election, made the declaration in Awka while addressing the royal father’s and Presidents General of the 181 communities in the state at Government House, Awka.
Obi said he decided to start the journey from his state by first informing the traditional rulers and the PGs who are the custodians of the people and also to seek their blessing.
He said, “I am 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.
“You know me and you know how Nigeria is today. In 2019, I went with Atiku as the vice-presidential candidate but today I want to come out on my own. I just came to seek your blessings as the traditional rulers of the State.”
The former governor said that after careful studies of Nigeria, he discovered that Nigeria is at the lowest ebb and needed somebody like him to move it forward.
Obi said: “We are all Nigerians and we know how things are shared in the country. Many people had called to ask my position on this matter and my answer then was that I needed to consult widely.
“The reason I called you, therefore, is to officially inform you that I am aspiring for the president of Nigeria in 2023.
“After a careful study of the country, I notice that we’re too divided and I promise to lead a united and secure Nigeria to be able to attract foreign investments.
“The Nigeria I will lead will create jobs, boost our economy, improve education. If I have the opportunity, I will turn around the country for better
“I will move Nigeria from a consuming nation to a productive nation. As a Nigerian, I want all parts of the country to be secured. I’m not aspiring for a political position, but to serve the country.
” Let me assure you that I will seriously contest for the president of Nigeria on the platform of the PDP.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, their zonal chairmen from the three senatorial zones .said they support his aspiration and pledge to assist him realize his ambition.
They said that Nigerians have so much respect for Obi because of his excellent performance as a governor, assuring that he would replicate same if elected president of Nigeria.
Igwe Peter Anugwu of Mbaukwu regretted, however, that of recent, Igbo people appear to be in disarray and urged them to he united to ensure the success.
He observed that many prominent Nigerians were looking in the direction of Obi to rescue the country and urged all Nigerians to support him.
“Obi’s comportment and humility have endeared him among Nigerians.and they have been waiting for to declare. Now that he has declared, I believe that Nigerians will give him their maximum support,” Igwe Anugwu said.
Mr. Oseloka Obaze, who served as Obi’s SSG described him as a tested hand who will put Nigeria on the path of greatness.
“We worked with him and the results are there to show. We have always stood by him and we know that he will do well. If he gets the opportunity to rule Nigeria” Obaze said..
The senator representing Anambra Central, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife said Nigerians have been waiting for Obi to declare and expressed happiness that he is coming from her senatorial zone.
“We’re here to receive royal blessings from the traditional rulers. This is Anambra project and we want the royal father’s to mobilize their subjects for the project.
“Nigerians have been saying that Igbo have not declared their intention but with Obi in the race, Nigerians will now know that Igbo are seriously in the race,” she said.
This is coming barely 24 hours after Peter Obi revealed why made a surprise appearance at the presidential declaration of former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, who is his potential rival in the presidential race.