Atiku2019: Igbo Leaders Question Peter Obi’s Selection As Running Mate
What many Nigerians are yet to clearly understand is what PDP leaders in the South East are aiming to achieve with their objection to the announcement of Mr Peter Obi as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
The former Anambra governor was suddenly announced on Friday via social media to what can be described as a wide acceptance by Nigerians.
But the leaders rose from a meeting on Saturday condemning the way their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar chose and announced his running mate without their consultation.
Somehow, Atiku got wind of the Igbo leaders’ anger and sent them a message during their meeting, asking them to be calm and that he would meet with them to address the issue.
The Chairman of the South East Governor Forum and governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, confirmed this while addressing newsmen after the meeting.
“We saw news flying up and down saying that our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has picked a running mate from the zone.
“We were shocked because we were not consulted. While we were meeting, Atiku sent message that he travelled out of the country for a short period. He promised to come down and meet with South East leaders,” he said.
One man whose position resonates with that of many Nigerians reacting on social media is Obi’s man, former Secretary of Anambra state, Mr. Oseloka Obaze.
He wonders why Atiku needs approval to choose the man he is comfortable working with.
“The decision has left some people here a little bit disenchanted because they believe there was no transparency.
“We must understand that never in the history of this country, NPN, PDP, had a candidate ever consulted on a zonal basis. they chose their candidate and they announce it.
“I do not understand why our case has to be different, apparently some people want to play games,” he said.
Notable Igbo leaders present at the controversial meeting were Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu; Deputy Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, Senators Sam Egwu, Theodore Orji, other members of the National Assembly from the zone and many others.
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