Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the recently concluded 2023 general elections, reiterated his unwavering conviction to assume the presidency of Nigeria.
Speaking at the grand unveiling of the book “Peter Obi: Many Voices, One Perspective” in Awka, Anambra State, Obi expressed his firm belief that his destiny lies in leading the nation.
Amid an ongoing legal battle with the election victor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Obi remained resolute, asserting, “Anyone who thinks I’m on transit is wasting his time. Let me tell you, I must be the president of this country. I’m sure of that. If it is not today, it must be tomorrow.”
In a passionate address, Obi challenged other aspiring leaders to present their plans and strategies for the country’s advancement.
Emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Nigeria, he dismissed any notions of fleeing, stating, “This is my country; I don’t have dual citizenship. If anyone thinks I am going to run away from Nigeria, they are lying.”
Highlighting his dedication to public service, Obi recalled his protracted legal battle to reclaim his governorship in Anambra State, which lasted three years. Undeterred by discouragement, he explained, “Even if the entire four-year tenure elapsed for us to prove a point and correct the process, I will be fulfilled.”
Citing the importance of upholding integrity in governance, Obi recounted his interactions with Professor Mahmood, who served as his committee member during his tenure as chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) committee.
Despite their previous acquaintance, Obi stressed that since Mahmood’s appointment as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), they had not met. He conveyed his message to Mahmood, stating, “You’re an umpire, just do what is right.”
Expressing concerns over Nigeria’s future, Obi referred to a recent report from the World Food Organization, which warned of impending intense hunger in the country. While acknowledging the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe as particularly vulnerable, he drew attention to Nigeria’s inability to feed itself despite its vast land mass.
Obi urged a collective commitment to righteousness and stated, “We must cultivate a habit of doing the right thing. If we don’t do the right thing, it will consume us someday.”
During the book launch, Professor Chinyere Okunna, one of the editors, explained that the event aimed to generate funds to support Obi’s legal proceedings before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).
Okunna expressed unwavering belief in Obi’s character, stating, “We believe in Obi. He is not a saint, but among all the people who contested to become president, none comes close to him in humility, education, love of the people, experience, and knowledge.”
Recognizing the financial demands of litigation, Okunna called on the judiciary to deliver a just and upright judgment, reinforcing the need to “do the right thing” in their assessment of the electoral dispute.
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