Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has on Monday, May 30 emerged as the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP).
He emerged as the presidential candidate at Labour Party’s Convention and presidential primary held in Asaba, Delta State.
The latest development was made possible after Professor Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy and co-convener of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), stepped down for him.
Utomi announced the decision during the national convention of the party, saying Peter Obi is a younger aspirant with the capacity to effect the needed change in the Nigerian system.
Also, another aspirant, 45-year-old Joseph Faduri stepped down for the former governor.
The latest development comes few days after Peter Obi dumped People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He was considered one of the top contenders for the party’s presidential ticket before exiting shortly before its presidential primary election, where Atiku Abubakar later emerged winner.
In a letter seen by MDB and addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, Mr Obi cited “recent developments” in the party as his reason for leaving.
Dated May 24, in the letter with the title “Resignation from PDP and withdrawal from the presidential contest” Obi noted that the nation’s challenges are deep-rooted.
He wrote;
Unfortunately, recent developments within our party makes it impossible for me to continue participating and making constructive contributions. Our national challenges are deep-rooted and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country.
Few days later, he joined Labour Party which he announced via his Twitter page, saying;
Since I resigned from the PDP because of issues that are at variance with my persona and principles, I have consulted widely with various parties and personalities to ensure we do not complicate the route to our desired destination.
For me, the process of achieving our goal is as fundamental as what one will do thereafter.
Therefore, I have chosen a route that I consider to be in line with our aspirations and my mantra of taking the country from consumption to production; and that is the Labour Party which is synonymous with the people, workers, development, production, securing and uniting Nigerians as one family.
Details later…
