Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has appealed to Nigerians to join hands with him to rescue the country from decades of poor governance.
The former Anambra State governor said “Operation Rescue Nigeria” is not for him as an individual but for the collective future of generations who will bear the consequences of persistent bad governance.
Speaking on Saturday in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress, with the theme “Activating the PO Effect in ADC,” Obi urged Nigerians to set aside differences and unite to rescue the nation in the 2027 presidential elections.
He emphasised the importance of election result transmission, adding: “Nigeria must get it right in 2027. Election results must be transmitted online in real time, and whoever fails to transmit results will be transmitted. Democracy must work. I appeal to you to join hands with me to rescue this country.”
Obi explained that he left the Labour Party after it became clear that the Independent National Electoral Commission would not recognise its leadership, and that the Federal Government did not want him on the ballot.
“I left the Labour Party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, and the Federal Government does not want me on the ballot.
“But I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom.
“And if they don’t want to transmit the result, we will transmit it for them,” he said.
He criticised the current administration for accumulating unprecedented loans, warning that future generations would bear the burden.
“The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid between 2045 and 2050, when many who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more,” he stated.
Obi pledged that his administration would invest heavily in education and healthcare, noting that most great countries achieved development through intentional investment in education.
He also promised to reduce poverty and criminality.
“I will tour the entire country and visit all higher institutions to understand the real challenges on the ground. I want to help fix Nigeria now that I have the strength to undertake difficult tasks. Those joining me must understand that the priority is the future and well-being of the people,” he added.
On corruption, he said the menace would reduce significantly under his leadership.
“When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget about the office of First Lady. We were not elected together.
“I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy for government lands, but kept none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority,” Obi explained.
The PUNCH