Valentine Ozigbo, Special Adviser to Peter Obi on Technology and Strategic Alliances and a 2021 Anambra Governorship Candidate, has categorically denied fake news that key officials of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council met on Monday at a top Abuja hotel to discuss moves aimed at aligning with the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the upcoming presidential election.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, January 24, 2022, Ozigbo described the story as false and intended to derail the massive momentum of Obidients across Nigeria and around the world who are rooting for a Peter Obi presidency.
“The claims reported on a faceless online medium are completely false and without any basis,” the statement says in part. The Labour Party is fully committed to backing its presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, and his vision for bringing Nigeria out of its current quagmire.
“We firmly believe that Peter Obi is the best candidate for the presidency, with a track record of solid leadership, and a clear plan for addressing the significant challenges facing our country.
“Mr. Peter Obi has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of the Nigerian people and has the experience and expertise needed to implement effective policies and bring about real change.
“It is disappointing that some elements within the PDP are spreading false rumors and engaging in underhanded tactics, rather than focusing on a fair and open contest of ideas. This unprofessional behavior demonstrates their fear of fair competition and lack of confidence in their own candidate’s abilities,” said the multi-award-winning global CEO.
On the possibility of one candidate stepping down for the other, Ozigbo stated that while he would not want to join issues with either the Atiku or Tinubu campaigns, who are gleefully spreading the falsehood, he would also not want to disrupt the current squabbles between the APC and PDP over allegations and counter-allegations of corruption.
Ozigbo believes that for Nigeria to make a clean break from its tumultuous past, those accused of undermining Nigeria’s progress and the prosperity of our people should consider stepping aside for Peter Obi in the best interests of Nigeria’s future.
“In a civilized setting, and given the towering credentials and acceptability of Peter Obi, the wise thing for Atiku and Tinubu to do would have been to allow Peter Obi to go unopposed by honorably stepping down. “However, if they insist on going on, they should be prepared to accept their fate at the polls,” Ozigbo added.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Obi remains the frontrunner in this 2023 race. In the pre-election polls, his two main opponents continue to trail him. In every poll conducted in Nigeria, he is winning with every major demographic, including those commissioned by the APC and PDP.
“Peter Obi is an enigma, a truly inspirational leader who has the support of Nigerian youth and all Nigerians who love our country and wish for the best.
“We will not be distracted by this fake news and will continue to work tirelessly to promote Peter Obi’s candidacy and his plans for a better Nigeria.
“We urge all Labour Party supporters and Nigerians to remain steadfast in this effort and reject the PDP’s efforts to undermine the democratic process and derail our path to the presidency,” he said.
