CENTUS NWEZE REPORTING
Former President and elder Statesman, Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially endorsed Peter Obi, Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate for president ahead 2023 while in the same breath cancelling the duo of Atiku Abubakar, his former deputy and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC as not fitting enough for the top job.
The former president made this known in a six page open letter directed to the youthful population of Nigeria believed by pundits to be the demographic sector that could determine the February elections.
Titled “My appeal to all Nigerians particularly Young Nigerians,” the former president hinged his support for the former Anambra State governor, Obi, on key qualities he believes must be posses by a leader.
He called it TVCP.
” Track record of ability and performance; Vision that is authentic, honest and realistic; Character and attributes of a lady and a gentleman who are children of God and obedient to God; and Physical and mental capability with soundness of mind as it is a very taxing and tasking assignment at the best of times and more so it is at the most difficult time that we are,” he said.
He however cancelled out the choice of Tinubu and his former deputy, Atiku on what he believes is their entitlement mentality.
“Let me say straight away that ‘Emi Lokan’ (My turn) and ‘I have paid my dues’ are one and the same thing and are wrong attitude and mentality for the leadership of Nigeria now,” Obasanjo said.
The former president noted that none of the presidential candidates is a saint, but when compared in terms of knowledge, discipline and what they can offer, Obi has an edge.
“None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi as a mentee has an edge,” he said.
SEE FULL TEXT OF LETTER
