The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has announced his decision to dump the party and back the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi.
Giving reasons for his decision to quit the PDP, Ozigbo told Arise TV on Thursday that at this precarious time in Nigeria’s history, a competent and visionary leader must be elected to lead Nigeria into the future.
He said Nigerians had been split into two categories: “those working to sustain the status quo and those uncomfortable with the status quo and want to bring positive change.
“I belong to the group that is uncomfortable with the status quo, and we must do what we have to do save this country and set us back on the path of progress.”
In a statement earlier released to journalists, Ozigbo endorsed Peter Obi for the 2023 general election.
He described Peter Obi as a leader with the right vision for this country, the temperance, and the capacity and experience to take Nigeria out of troubled waters.
Ozigbo wrote: “His Excellency, Peter Obi was the governor of my home state of Anambra for eight years. The groundswell of support that his candidacy is receiving from Anambra, the South East, and the entire country is based mainly on the revolutionary, inclusive, and inspiring leadership he demonstrated as a governor.
“Before he was 40 years, Peter Obi had created an enviable mark in the private sector. A multiple-award-winning banker, entrepreneur, and globally trained business leader, Obi took the helm of Anambra State after a long fight for justice.
“Eight years later, he had completely transformed the leadership culture in Anambra with his style of down-to-earth grassroots engagement, prudential management of resources, and keen vision for qualitative transformation.
“Peter Obi is the Nigerian politician I have the utmost respect for. Having worked with him closely during my governorship campaign in 2021, I can attest that Obi is a thoughtful, kind, and generous leader who seeks excellence in all he does.
“After spending many months working with this phenomenal human, I am convinced that he has an abiding love for Nigeria and all Nigerians.
“He has the right vision for this country, the temperance, and the capacity and experience to take Nigeria out of these troubled waters and lead us to a land of promise.
“I acknowledge the brilliant choice of His Excellency Peter Obi’s running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. Together, this is an unbeatable presidential ticket, and they deserve the support of all well-meaning Nigerians.
“Pulled by the brilliance of the candidacy of Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti, inspired by the passion of the Nigerian youth, and driven by an undying love for Nigeria, I, Valentine Ozigbo, at this moment, formally join the Obi-dient Movement.
“From what I know about His Excellency Peter Obi, if we join our hearts and hands and elect him as our next president, I can guarantee that he will be the best president Nigeria has ever had. I genuinely believe that his emergence has a divine inspiration.
“I call on all Nigerians to join hands with us as we work to transform the promise and dreams of Nigeria into reality. We must get it right in 2023, we can, and we must.”
This article was originally published on Naija News