As the 2023 Presidential Campaigns gradually come to end, let us stop and think. Peter Obi of the Labour Party has done extremely well and raised the bar for future electioneering Campaigns, in Nigeria. Unfortunately, from all political indices, it is clear that his dreams of ruling Nigeria cannot be achieved now. So many obstacles stand in his way. Take the question of the South East. The zone has been very disappointing and poses a huge threat to his campaign.
No one is sure of elections in the South East, with sit at home orders being dished out by every Tom, Dick and Harry with threats of death to those who may want to risk going out to vote. Instructive also is the fact that no former appointees of his, as Governor of Anambra State has spoken up for him during the campaigns. Where are his former commissioners? What of local government councils’ chairmen under him? None has spoken up. It is people you worked with who can say who you are, as it is so easy to pretentiously deceive people afar off. They have not been fair to him and his campaign.
Then there is the issue of his late entrance into the presidential race and his adopting Labour Party, a relatively unknown party as his party. But his adept use of the social media space has been of great benefit. So also has been the mobilization of the youths and elites in the South. Unfortunately, however, the critical mass of voters in the North, especially the youths and women in the rustic rural areas who form a huge voting mass have not been reached.
This and many more drawbacks have impacted his ambition negatively.
What is becoming very clear is that Peter Obi’s path to the Presidency; robust as it is cannot deliver him the plum job. A vote for him will be a literal waste. And the danger is that, that could help Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC to win. As we all know, that will be the greatest disaster that can befall Nigeria. He is mentally and physically unfit for the tasking job that is the presidency of Nigeria. Apart from the evil that APC has been to Nigerians, Nigeria cannot afford another sick president. Tinubu could have been an option 10yrs ago, but today, he is absolutely not. He will be such a disaster as President. Consider the frightful scenario of his Muslim Muslim ticket. His running mate is a known Muslim fundamentalist and alleged sympathizer of terrorists. The notorious Kabiru Sokoto, a Boko Haram operative involved in multiple bombings was found and arrested in Shetima’s home. As Governor, he was harbouring a wanted Boko Haram kingpin. If anything, God forbid, happens to Tinubu, will you wish for a President Shetima for us, Nigerians? I hear you say ‘Never’. Indeed, NEVER.
For reasons above, I wish to plead with all of us to dispassionately consider Atiku Abubakar for the Presidency. Through him, Nigerians have the shortest path to be in the Presidency, strongly. With Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as his Vice President, we have our surest opportunity for quality federal government presence, now. In their ticket, fear of religious domination is best doused. People don’t change in old age. Buhari has always been a religious and tribal jingoist and so he is, as President.
Atiku has always been a liberal, religiously and tribally. He has always been described as detrabalised. He can’t change now. He is a democrat to the core. He stopped Obasanjo in his path to becoming a life President of Nigeria. For this rare bravery, Obasanjo has consistently led war against Atiku Abubakar, persecuting him in every way possible and giving him names to hang him. Atiku fought back and won all cases that Obasanjo tried to rope him in with. Such a man must have learnt humility and must be strong, attributes that are needed badly in our national leadership, now.
Throughout this campaign, he is the only candidate that released his thoughts in a document, ‘my pact with Nigerians’, where he detailed Nigeria’s problems, the solutions and how to implement them. He is the only one. Those who have read this document, including my humble self, agree that it is succinct and extremely well thought out and most importantly, if implemented, it shall give its projected outcomes.
Should we not give this man this golden opportunity to serve as President?
As we decide on who to vote to be President, please let us reflect deeply. Let us be dispassionate and consider again that should Peter Obi not have a clear path to win, we should not waste our votes on him as that will help Tinubu and APC greatly. God forbid.
Think deeply and consider fully. Atiku is our best bet to rescue Nigeria from APC. Atiku/Okowa ticket remains the best opportunity to reunite our country, restore security and heal our national economy.
