As the presidential primaries of the political parties take place in order to beat INEC’s deadline, feelers that are coming from the NNPP suggest that the South East may have received the nod to fly the party’s flag.
This is as posters carrying the images of the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Peter Gregory Obi and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso make the rounds.
Obi is seen on the poster sighted by the Telegraph as the presidential aspirant while Kwankwaso is portrayed as his vice.
Peter Obi withdrew from the forthcoming presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on May 24th
Obi’s decision to quit both the race and the PDP came three days to the presidential convention which is scheduled to hold at the MKO National Stadium, Abuja.
“I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”, the former presidential wrote in his letter to the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Iyorcha Ayu.
He said he had conveyed his intention to step aside from the party “to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2, Anaocha LGA, Anambra, effective Friday 20 May, 2022.
“Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal from the PDP Presidential Primaries.”
As Obi put it, “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.’
Apparently hinting that he may have to embrace another political platform, Obi noted, “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” the former governor stated.
” I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of country”, he added.
Although Obi demonstrated he has workable ideas that are capable of taking Nigeria out of the woods, his campaign efforts in the PDP regrettably did not appear to strike the right chord.
Popular attention, especially among delegates within the PDP is seemingly focused at this time on two frontline aspirants.
They are the Governor of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike and a former presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, the posters that are in circulation indicate that Obi has found new soulmates in the NNPP.
Many in the East may be in a jubilant mood over what looks like the concession to the business and politician who ran as Atiku’s vice years ago.
For most easterners, the name of Obi’s new political party, NNPP is likely to conjure images of the defunct NPP which was seen at the time as the party of choice of mainstream Igbos.
Recall that the late Nigerian nationalist, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe contested for presidency on the platform of the NPP.
Obi would be hoping to make history as a Frontline Igbo who would be taking part in the presidential race if his alleged deal with the NNPP holds out.
In the meantime, posters of Obi and Kwankwaso are all over the social media.
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