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Olusola Fabiyi, Adelani Adepegba and Tony Okafor
Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, was Friday in Abuja, candidate for the vice presidency of the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party in the 2019 elections, Atiku Abubakar.
Obi would have emerged as the party's and the candidate's preferred choice after a series of consultations by party stakeholders and outside of it.
READ ALSO: Five things to know about Peter Obi
Saturday PUNCH The names of Obi and Atiku will be sent to the National Independent Electoral Commission next week.
On Friday, it was realized that Obi, Atiku and some party leaders had met for several hours. Some names were then examined before the name of the former governor was finally chosen.
The investigation of one of our correspondents showed that Atiku and the party leaders had discussed the issue at a closed meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, in the state of Ogun, Thursday.
A statement issued by the Director General of Atiku's presidential campaign organization, Chief Daniel Gbenga, in Abuja Friday night, confirmed the appointment of Obi.
READ ALSO: The retired generals, Jemibewon, Togun, back Obasanjo on Atiku
The statement reads in part as follows: "The presidential candidate of the Democratic People's Party, Atiku Abubakar, has chosen a former chairman of the board of Fidelity Bank PLC and former governor of Anambra State, M Peter Obi, as a candidate in the 2019 presidential elections.
"Born on July 19, 1961, Peter Obi attended Christ King College in Onitsha and then at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, where he earned a BA in Philosophy.
"He is also a graduate of several international and national institutions such as Lagos Business School. Harvard Business School; London School of Economics; Columbia Business School; Institute of Management, Switzerland; Kellogg Graduate School; University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.
"In the public service, he held various positions, including as a member of the Presidential Economic Management Team; Vice President of the Nigeria Governors Forum; Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum and Governor of Anambra State.
"Peter Obi is a clever professional who has left his mark in the world of business.
"He was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Committee on Security and Trade; former chairman, Fidelity Bank PLC; former chairman of the board, Guardian Express Mortgage Bank; former Chairman of the Board, Future Views Securities; former president, Paymaster Nigeria; former president of Next International Nigeria; former director, Guardian Express Bank PLC; former director, Chams Nigeria PLC; former director, Emerging Capital: former director, Card Center PLC. "
Obi is also a member of the British Institute of Directors, the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Daniel said Obi's choice was largely influenced by his youth, his vast knowledge of the global and local economy and as a financial expert, adding that this was a much needed experience in Nigeria.
"This post will be able to bring our country back on the path of progress, economic prosperity and unity," he added.
A source close to the party, told one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity, that Obi was considered ahead of others due to many factors.
The source said, "Many names have been proposed at the table. I do not want to dwell on these names so that these people do not feel wronged.
"However, we considered that Obi is humble. He did well run the state of Anambra when he was governor. He is not flamboyant and he has a knowledge of the economy.
"Obi would have supporters in the country, especially in the south-east of the country, even though his candidate had lost the governorship elections in his state.
"The general belief, however, is that he will do his job well as vice president and will also serve as a check to the PDP government," added the source.
Saturday PUNCH realized that the PDP would issue a statement on Obi's appointment before Monday.
Atiku consulted Obasanjo, others
In addition to Obasanjo, it was also established that a former president, Jonathan Goodluck, and some northern leaders and some retired generals had been consulted prior to Obi's selection.
We are facing a vicious government – Secondus
Prince Uche Secondus, national president of the PDP, urged the PDP and Atiku to remain firm while the party faces a perverse government.
At a meeting with Atiku, members of PDP's board of directors and other party stakeholders, Friday, Secondus pointed out that a complacent attitude had led to the loss of party in the 2015 elections, adding that each BOT member had to surrender his 2019 unit, constituency or constituency.
Emphasizing that it was time to fix obstacles, build trust and work together, he said, "That was lacking in the last election. We must build a consensus and an arrangement that will reward you and be recognized when you deliver. We can not play the kind of politics of Abuja that made us lose in 2015.
"The INEC will not be wrong when they see the faces of the BoT members in the voting units and the security agents will not intimidate them either. BOT should not leave the task to the younger ones, but should support them and encourage them to achieve the desired result. "
He added that Atiku had begun meeting with the governors to repair the barriers and build confidence before the next presidential election, as he had suggested.
READ ALSO: Fayose hands HoS a note and inaugurates the president's house
He said: "Immediately after the congress, the presidential candidate and I visited the host governor (Nyesom Wike). Some problems were solved almost immediately because we had to maintain the momentum of the congress.
"On Monday, I called a meeting of all the former candidates, they all came and we discussed thoroughly. They have already started to implement what we discussed by visiting critical stakeholders, governors and dignitaries. "
He said that Obasanjo had approved Atiku and described him as the best candidate for attacking the economy, adding that millions of Nigerians were suffering and dying.
He described the convention as the first phase of the struggle and moved on to the second phase, saying it would take seriousness.
I will reward all presidential candidates – Atiku
Speaking also on this occasion, Atiku promised to reward the 11 aspirants who contested the presidential ticket with him, when he was elected president of the country.
He said, "I can assure you that I am ready to work with you and reward you all as we come together to succeed. I must praise the sense of patriotism displayed by my fellow competitors.
"From the day that I delivered my acceptance speech, we work together. I believe it is our duty to provide this sense of unity and leadership to the rest of the party members. "
Briefing on what happened behind closed doors during his meeting with Obasanjo on Thursday, Atiku said, "I visited my former boss in Abeokuta, where we exchanged jokes. I can not say whether he is a member of the PDP or not, but he is with us body and mind.
"Even before he made his statement, we retreated to his private room where he gave me his statement to review it and possibly revise it.
"He said he would launch my campaign to the presidency with this statement. This is the Olusegun Obasanjo vintage for you.
The president of the BOT, Senator Walid Jibrin, in his opening remarks, warned that council members would not allow anyone to divert the party.
He said: "The BOT has been working very hard for the party's survival, especially by preventing Ali Modu Sheriff from destroying the party.
"The TEC will not allow anyone to divert the game, regardless of its position. The party is supreme and members must always comply with its directives. "
READ ALSO: Ground plane catches fire, investigators begin probe
In his message to the party's presidential candidate, Jibrin said: "As a presidential candidate, you will beat other presidential candidates, especially the APC candidate who is already in the running. dropping to the water and I wish you the direction and protection of God success by entering the villa in 2019. "
Buhari must leave, Atiku must win – Saraki
Senate Speaker Bukola Saraki said that Atiku set the tone for others to follow with his leadership example.
According to him, the party is united and its goal is to remove President Muhammadu Buhari from office and replace him with Atiku.
He said Atiku's promise to reward party members showed that he was a politician, describing it as the impetus needed to "get out there and happen".
"On behalf of the BOT members, I can assure you that we will give you our full support. The meeting with convention alumni, governor candidates and stakeholders sends a strong message across the country: we are united.
"There is only one thing left to do: dismiss the president. Buhari must leave, now, now, now! His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, should enter now, now, now!
Obi will complete Atiku on restructuring-Afenifere
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, welcomed the choice of Obi, the vice-presidential candidate, and said he would complete the presidential candidate of the PDP on the issue of restructuring the country.
Afenifere spokesperson Yinka Odumakin, in his reaction to Obi's appointment, said Atiku must have weighed the decision before choosing the former governor and businessman.
He said: "Our most important problem is the restructuring of Nigeria and Peter Obi comes from an area that has signed an agreement with us on the restructuring. We expect him to complete his principal, who has talked so much about the restructuring.
"It's the strongest board they stand on; It is clear that we are happy to have a team that can listen to the aspirations and aspirations of the majority of Nigerians.
"Atiku is a suave and strategic politician. he must have considered the pros and cons before making his choice and he must have made an informed choice. "
Ohanaeze will meet for the choice of Obi's ticket – Source
The Pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, announced that it would meet to review the position of Vice President assigned to the Igbo Group by the PDP.
A head of the socio-cultural organization, who requested anonymity, said it would be premature to comment on the issue without prior consultation.
"As a person, I am satisfied with development. But my personal opinion does not matter on issues like this.
"We will have a development meeting soon to review and re-evaluate the situation as appropriate before making a decision on this.
"Practice a little patience with us. We will make a statement on this as soon as possible, "said the source.
At the same time, demonstrations took place on Friday in various parts of Anambra state, as Obi, the former governor of the state, was nominated as vice-presidential candidate for Atiku in the elections. next year.
The inhabitants of most of the bars of Awka, the capital of the state, were happy to hear the news.
For example, a lawyer, who requested anonymity, said, "Obi is a man who has an appointment with fate. he is the right choice. "Nigeria will be great because Obi has solid experience in the private sector and great achievements in governance."
Atiku made the right choice – government candidate from Anambra PDP
Also speaking, Oseloka Obaze, governor candidate on the PDP platform, said: "The prayer of Nigeria is answered. Atiku made the right choice by choosing Obi as vice-presidential candidate.
"Atiku has just shown that he is a hard-headed man, capable of making difficult decisions, which is necessary for determined leaders.
"Let's put Nigeria back to work. God bless Atiku. God bless Obi and God bless Nigeria. "
Aaron Muorah, Public Affairs Analyst, said, "With his strong background in education and business, Obi is no match."
It will not take me six months to appoint my office – Atiku
Atiku, in his twitter account, said his firm would be ready by May 29, 2019, when he is elected president next year.
He said: "If Nigerians elect me to the presidency, I will not take six months to appoint my cabinet. My cabinet will be ready before May 29, 2019 if, by the grace of God, you elect me. Our country needs a determined leader to put Nigeria back to work. "#LetsGetNigeriaWorkingAgain."
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