Chief Edwin Clark has become the latest elder statesman to endorse Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi for the 2023 general elections.
Chief Clark announced his position at a news briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He said his decision to endorse Obi is based on his traits, such as honesty, trust and transparency. The elder statesman said the above-mentioned traits, which are critical to leading the country, are found in Obi.
He said Obi had demonstrated all the leadership qualities while he was the governor of Anambra State.
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“Taking all these factors into consideration, and putting His Excellency Peter Obi side by side with all other candidates being presented by other political parties, I am convinced beyond doubt, that our country Nigeria has a great opportunity to elect a phenomenal team, the candidate of the Labour Party, and his deputy, senator Datti Baba-Ahmad, as president and vice-president respectively.
“I formally hereby announce that I will, therefore, personally, vote for HE Peter Obi and his vice presidential candidate on election day, February 25th, 2023, as president and vice-president of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“I also call on all well Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious and even political backgrounds to vote for H.E. Peter Obi without hesitation, as he is our best hope of a new Nigeria of peace, stability and progress.
“I have also requested the leadership of PANDEF, as a democratic institution and all other socio-cultural and socio-political bodies which I head to consult with their members at the levels of the states, local governments and Diaspora to take further steps in supporting my choice of H.E Peter Obi,” Chief Clark said.
His endorsement swiftly follows that of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who in his New Year message, declared Obi the presidential candidate who has what it takes to lead Nigeria out of its current predicament.
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has followed the steps of both Obasanjo and Clark by endorsing Obi, even though the governor is a current member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with former vice president Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Terver Akase, quoted the Governor saying that if he was not a member of the PDP, he would have personally led the campaign of the former Anambra Governor across the country.
After lauding Obasanjo for once again demonstrating objectivity, truth and patriotism as a statesman whose views on national issues must be taken seriously, Ortom said there is no doubt that “Obi is the man who has the capacity to effectively tackle the economic, security and other challenges in Nigeria.”
The statement said that Obi possesses the qualities of a leader who will be a true President of this country by guaranteeing justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians.
Ortom is a member of the G5, a group of five aggrieved PDP governors led by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, which broke out of the party due to internal crisis centered on the stay of Iyiorchia Ayu as the party’s chairman. The G5 also has Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) as members.
The G5, who has refused to support the campaign of the PDP candidate unless the chairman steps down, has been consulting with political big wings in the country; a move many believe will help the members decide who to support as the February 25 general elections draw close.
It’s the season of endorsements, and anyone who tells you that they don’t matter obviously doesn’t understand politics. Momentum matters a great deal in politics, and once you start complaining, you are already losing.
You cannot cheer and amplify Soludo’ epistle, Arthur Eze’s comment, only to tell us that Obasanjo or Clark endorsement doesn’t matter, you are dreaming of course. Why do supporters celebrate rallies with large crowds? Because they build momentum, nobody is ever happy with empty seats in political rallies, so every win is a plus.
Various camps are remotely hoping that the recalcitrant G-5 folks would endorse their own candidate, if it doesn’t go your way, you can still tell us that it doesn’t matter, but you will certainly celebrate if they endorse your candidate…
If you win on social media, hype it; if you lead in polls, celebrate; if you get endorsement from any notable person, amplify it; if you fill up a rally venue, highlight it. You are better off with these than not having any, who’s ever happy coming last on anything?
Politics is not your mate, the earlier you start winning, the better for you. Sifia pain is real.