Politics

Peter Obi Grabs Labour Party Ticket, To Face Atiku, Others In 2023 Election

Published

3 years ago

May 30, 2022.

Sylvester Ugwuanyi

Pat Utomi Says Peter Obi Must Be Allowed To Govern Nigeria After Atiku Gets PDP Presidential Ticket

Pat Utomi Says Obi Must Be Allowed To Govern Nigeria After Atiku Gets PDP Presidential Ticket
Peter Obi Elected Unopposed To Run For 2023 President

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, on Monday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and is now set to face former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and other contenders for the 2023 presidential election.

The 2019 running mate to Atiku was elected unopposed Monday afternoon during the Labour Party’s National Convention taking place at Orchid Hotel, Asaba, Delta State. Obi clinched the ticket after his challenger, Prof. Pat Utomi, backed out of the race and endorsed him

Atiku was at the weekend elected as the standard-bearer of the PDP after polling 371 votes to defeat the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who scored 237 votes at the presidential primary. Other aspirants with the number of votes polled include Bukola Saraki – 70; Sam Ohuanbunwa – 1; Anyim Pius Anyim – 14; Udom Emmanuel – 38 votes; Bala Mohammed – 20.

Utomi, an erudite political economist and management expert, while announcing that he was stepping down for the former Anambra State governor, said, “Obi must be given the opportunity to govern this country”.

Obi, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, had announced his switch to Labour Party on Friday evening, urging Nigerians, particularly the youth, to join him in his news political party.

The industrialist and economic expert had in a recent interview argued that he was not desperate to become Nigeria’s president, but was out to see Nigeria work for the youths and children.

“I’m not desperate to become Nigeria’s president, but desperate to see Nigeria work for the youths and children” he had declared.
In a letter announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which was sent to his ward chairman, Peter Obi said: “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 country.”

And after defecting to the Labour Party, Obi said last week: “Since I resigned from the PDP because of issues that are at variance with my persona and principles, I have consulted widely with various parties and personalities to ensure we do not complicate the route to our desired destination.

“For me, the process of achieving our goal is as fundamental as what one will do thereafter.

“Therefore, I have chosen a route that I consider to be in line with our aspirations and my mantra of taking the country from consumption to production; and that is the Labour Party which is synonymous with the people, workers, development, production, securing and uniting Nigerians as one family.

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“I invite all Nigerians to join me in taking back our country. “Be assured that I’ll never let you down,” Obi had said.

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