Interesting days are ahead in the political firmament of Nigeria as former Governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, joined the Presidential race, a day after his former principal, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did.
There were doubts whether Obi would enter the race after Atiku, who he was running mate to three years ago showed interest. He joins former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim as an aspirant from the South-East on the platform of the main opposition party, PDP.
Curiously, Obi was at Wednesday event when Atiku formally declared his interest in contesting next year’s presidential race.
Obi made his announcement when he met traditional rulers in his home state of Anambra at the Government House, Awka.
His words to the royal fathers: “My job here is simple, to inform you people as my own fathers that I’ll be aspiring for the post of President of Nigeria.
“I am not contesting because I want political appointment but to serve this country and unite Nigeria and I am the only person that can unite Nigeria.
“The state of our country today is deplorable, the level of insecurity is indeed unfortunate and Nigeria has fallen to the lowest ebb in the committee of nations and I am the only one that can restore security in Nigeria.
“As President, I want security of lives and property in Borno State, in Minna and Niger states, as I want it to be in Onitsha and in Kano or Ekiti State.
“My interest in the presidency of Nigeria is to restore security and revamp our educational sector and also revive the health sector and I have seriously studied our country and I have come to discover that all that we need is to ensure security so that foreign and local investments would thrive in all parts of the country.
“I have come to serve Nigeria and I what it takes to restore the dignity of our country and to unite the country because if there is no unity in Nigeria, we cannot move ahead.
“You all know me very well. I do not need any further introduction. You all know what I did as governor of Anambra State and Anambra is like Nigeria and anybody who is able to manage Anambra State can manage Nigeria and I am calling for your support and I have confidence in you all that you will support me.”
Asked why he was at Atiku’s declaration event by Channels Television the former Governor said, “This is a new politics. I play politics differently. For me, politics is not a war. It’s a relationship.
“Atiku is my leader, my boss and a senior brother. If he invites me for anything I will attend.
“Aspiring (for the presidency), does not say I should not keep my relationships very cordial.
“I’m aspiring. Remember, I always say it, Atiku is a unifier. He believes in Nigeria. He’s a good man. And anytime he invites me for anything, I will be there.”
