2019: PDP South East caucus, MASSOB okay Atiku/Obi ticket

The announcement has generated mixed reactions, with South East governors, in the forefront of opposition to Obi’s nomination.

Fred Itua, Abuja and David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi

Chairman of the South East Senate Caucus, Enyinnaya Abaribe and senator representing Edo Central, Clifford Ordia, as well as the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and his choice of running mate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2019 general election.

Atiku announced a former governor of Anambra State, Obi, as his running mate, last week. The announcement has generated mixed reactions, with South East governors, in the forefront of opposition to Obi’s nomination.

The governors argued that they were not consulted before Atiku made Obi’s nomination public.

However, Abaribe, has described Obi’s selection as a right step in the right direction and has described Obi as an embodiment of discipline and positive attributes in good governance.

In a statement released in Abuja, yesterday, Abaribe said with Obi’s choice, as Atiku’s running mate, the party has wrapped up victory in 2019.

“Mr Obi’s widely acknowledged good track record in infrastructural development and economic reforms as governor of Anambra State, remains an eloquent testimony of what service delivery and good governance is all about.

“The ticket of the duo; of former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Obi, represents the finest choice available and one that reflects the high pitch push by Nigerians; for total economic and political reforms.

“The present hopeless situation of fear, despondency and hunger in the land, which is occasioned by a seemingly rudderless and clueless government requires experienced and steady hands in the saddle. Of course, the Atiku/Obi ticket presents that radical choice capable of pulling the country out of her present horrendous predicament,” he said.

On his part, senator Ordia reiterated that PDP will win next year’s presidential election and called on Nigerians, at all levels, to vote massively for the PDP.

“PDP is already coasting home to victory even before the elections. Everyone can see that the current government has nothing to campaign with. With Atiku and Obi, we are certain that if the elections are free and fair, the PDP will win.

“The victory of the PDP will not only end with the presidential elections. PDP will win more governorship seats and have the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. Nigerians must be vigilant and ensure that their mandate is not stolen in 2019.”

Also, news of Obi’s emergence as Atiku’s running mate received resounding acceptance; even among pro-Biafra groups.

In line with this, the Uchenna Madu-led MASSOB has congratulated Obi, although, he said MASSOB did not believe in the Nigerian project nor does it believe in being partisan in Nigerian politics.

“We acknowledge the acceptance of Mr. Peter Obi by millions of Nigerians, through the eruption of joyous celebration which greeted his selection as a vice presidential candidate.

“MASSOB, as a major stakeholder in Igbo affairs, shall not derail in any national interest that will benefit Ndigbo in Nigeria. 

We’re still consulting and discussing with our Diaspora groups, and other pro-Biafra groups, concerning our final position on next year’s general elections,” Madu declared.

He said MASSOB had earlier declared that President Muhammadu Buhari would be the last president of Nigeria “and, we still believe that 2019 political crisis and our demand for referendum will usher in Biafra, Oduduwa and Arewa nations.”