Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, has stated that the presidency in 2023 is not up for grabs.
In an apparent reference to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who famously used the phrase “emi lokan,” which means “I am the next,” Obi stated on Monday that the presidency in 2023 is not anyone’s turn.
According to Naija News, he made the submission in Abuja during the Labour Party Leadership Retreat.
According to Obi, Nigerians should not choose their next leader based on their religion or ethnicity, but rather on character, trust, and competence.
He promised that such retreats would be held in the future to monitor and evaluate actions.
“We will do this retreat now, we will do another one after the election, the election next year will not be based on ethnicity, we have had it before, it will not be based on religion,” he says.
“There is no place where Christians can get things cheaper, and there is no place where Muslims can get things cheaper.” It will not be my turn; it is not anyone’s turn. It can’t be by connection. The election next year must be based on character and trust, as well as competence.”
No Money Was Missing Under My Watch As Governor
The LP flagbearer went on to say that leaders must fight and be seen to fight corruption. He also stated that no money was misappropriated during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
“If a leader does not steal and his family does not steal, we will reduce corruption by 70%,” he said. I was Governor for eight years, and there is no money missing anywhere.
“I’m here to listen; let us put it in writing if we succeed; you must be present to say this is what we agreed on.” Even if we don’t succeed completely, we must have made sacrifices.”
Nigerians Ready For Real Change
Barrister Julius Abure, National Chairman of the Labour Party, stated in his welcome address that the APC government has failed Nigerians and that the people are ready to vote them out.
“Our leaders lack the ability to drive development.” This is what has been lacking; no one is safe, and insecurity has taken over. Something must be done quickly, and I am glad Nigerians are ready for real change, not the APC change of 2015.”
We Will Shock Those Who Think We Don’t Have Structure
Ayuba Wabba, president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), stated that if Nigeria is to develop, it must combat corruption and transition from a consuming to a producing nation.
He believes that “we need to return to production, which will address unemployment.” Corruption is an organized crime committed against the Nigerian people.”
He urged all labor unions to work together to ensure that the opportunity to choose the right person in 2023 is not lost, adding that Labour is ready to activate its structures in the country’s 774 local government areas, and those who claim the party lacks structures will be surprised.