The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, on Friday paid a visit on the Governor of Enugu state, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to seek his support and the people of the state in the election.
Mr. Obi who told the governor that he was at the Government House to consult him and seek the usual support of the state, said that his candidacy was not about him “as Peter Obi” but the people of the Igbo nation and Nigerians at large.
Ugwuanyi welcoming Obi to Government House Enugu
While applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for his giant development strides in Enugu State, Obi pointed out that the success of his nomination depends on the leaders of the South East geo-political zone, pledging to bring meaningful development to the zone.
According to Obi, “This nomination is about our own area. We can’t continue to say we are not getting our share or that we are marginalized. These are some of the opportunities to re-address whatever we think is not in our positions.
“I have served as governor, so people know a bit of my record. I am here to say to you (Ugwuanyi), I remain one of you. Everybody knows that I believe in Enugu. I believe this is our capital and it remains so.
“Your Excellency, that is why I am here. I need your support and that of all of you. I assure that it is all about us and Nigerians, not about Peter Obi. I am highly glad with the warm reception you granted me at the airport. This is the first time in my political life that I am welcomed at the airport and I cannot forget this gesture in a hurry.”
Peter Obi during his visit to Chief Nnia Nwodo
In his reaction, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who warmly welcomed Obi and his entourage to the Government House, Enugu, described Obi as an iconic son of Igboland, who has distinguished himself creditably in private and public dealings as a successful businessman and two-term former Governor of Anambra State.
Governor Ugwuanyi said that the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate was a formidable and trusted party man.
The governor noted that Enugu is a PDP state and appreciated the people of the state for the massive support they gave the party in 2015, expressing confidence that with their endorsement, the 2019 election will also end in praise.
He therefore, used the opportunity to congratulate the entire PDP family on the party’s “very successful and peaceful convention in Port Harcourt”.
EnuguVoice reports that the Vice Presidential candidate later visited the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who welcomed him and noted how “extremely happy” he was to have him in audience at his residence in Enugu.
Chief Nwodo said that “as a party, the PDP has responded to the yearnings and aspirations of Ndigbo by reacting to the age long feeling of marginalization at the top echelon of leadership of the country by nominating their son to vie for the position of the Vice President of Nigeria”.
The President General disclosed that the Apex Igbo body will “very soon convene a meeting of the highest organ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ime Obi when all the political parties were done with the selection of their candidates and we will take a decision on what direction Igbos will take in the next election”.
He extolled the leadership qualities of Obi saying that “your nomination is enchanting, your public conduct while you were a governor exemplifies you as a man of outstanding humility”, adding: “Your incorruptibility in government speaks volume. I look forward to when Ohanaeze will take a decision on which party the Igbos will vote for and I wish it will be you”.
Enuguvoice reports that the PDP Vice Presidential candidate was accorded a warm reception at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, by the state government delegation and other teeming supporters of the PDP led by the party’s Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Uzor.
