South-East PDP leaders, monarch bicker over Obi’s choice as Atiku’s running mate

Leaders and governors of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East, on Saturday, rejected the emergence of a former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, as the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate for next year’s election, Atiku Abubakar.
The position was made known by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, after a closed door meeting of the South East leaders in Enugu on Saturday evening.
They thus called for a meeting with Abubakar over the development.
At the meeting were Governors Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and others.
Chidoka said the South-East leaders are looking forward to the meeting with Atiku to enable him explain to them why he took such a vital decision without consulting them.
But, Igwe Innocent Obodoako, the traditional ruler of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday, praised the choice of Obi as the running mate.
Obodoako said that Obi, who hails from Agulu, “is a right choice for the party”.
“When we heard of his selection, we were so happy. I know what he can do.
“By the time he ends his tenure as vice president, Nigerians will see his goodness,” the monarch said.
Obodoako, who said that the people of Agulu and by extension, Anambra are excited, also said the PDP would get massive votes because of Atiku’s position on the issue of restructuring.
According to him, restructuring will give all Nigerians a sense of belonging and ensure that our children are massively employed.
The monarch appealed to those agitating against Obi’s selection, especially some stakeholders in the South-East to have a rethink and support the Atiku/Obi joint PDP ticket in the interest of the zone.
Scores of Enugu residents also expressed joy that Obi is the running mate.
To them, Atiku made a right choice in picking Obi as his running mate.
A legal practitioner, Mr Nicholas Ude, noted that the choice of the former governor would bring about a positive change, adding that Obi did very well while in office.
“All the sectors in Anambra during Obi’s tenure were properly fixed for the benefit of every Anambra person.
“I, however, hope that he will do the same if elected as Atiku’s vice president,” he said.
In his views, Mr Okechukwu Adibe, another legal practitioner, said that Obi’s impressive performance in his eight years as governor, was why he was chosen by Atiku.
“The former governor exhibited good governance in Anambra through his good knowledge of the economy across all sectors in the state,” he said.
For Cyprian Nnodu, the former governor corrected all the wrongs in governance in Anambra, making the state to stand as one of the best states in Nigeria.
Nnodu, a lawyer, however, called on youths and politicians to emulate Obi’s performance, noting that good character and integrity were of important in a person’s life and career.
In the same vein, Mrs Nneka Dim, a psychologist, said that people would hardly forget Obi’s performance as a governor in the state.
“Obi, through his knowledge of the economy, gave his best in repositioning Anambra as well as putting it on a good and high standard.
“This, I believe, is why Atiku picked him. I am sure that if Atiku wins, the country will not be disappointed,” she added.
A businessman, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, described Obi’s choice as a welcome development in Nigeria.
He added that with Obi on board, many wrongs would be corrected as he did during his time as a governor.
“Obi performed well and everyone felt it, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, health, education, judiciary among others.” Ani added.