ABUJA – The 2023 presidential candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party received a boost on Thursday as Valentine Ozigbo, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Anambra State November 2021 election, decamped to the Labour Party.
Chief Ozigbo who was an aspirant in the Anambra South Senatorial election made the announcement in a statement on his Facebook page on Thursday evening.
In the statement titled “2023: A Watershed Moment For Nigeria”, the former governorship candidate said the nation has suffered untold hardship and insecurity under the leadership of president Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has failed in all its campaign promises to Nigerians as it has pushed the country to the brinks.
“Under the incumbent president, Nigerians have suffered untold hardships. Never in this country’s storied history has it been decimated and devastated by a government as it has been under General Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressive Congress (APC).
“Our economy has practically crumbled before our eyes. Disunity and suspicion now define the fabric of our country. Obscene levels of corruption and looting continue to dominate our news headlines. Terrorists, bandits, robbers, kidnappers, ritualists, and cultists now operate openly and without fear of law enforcement. Infrastructure across the country has been left to decay. Our social safety systems have all collapsed”, he said.
Ozigbo hailed the youths of Nigeria for standing up to take over the nation and rejecting politicians who out of love for power has refused to go into retirement.
He said, “Fuelled by an undying love for country and a burning passion for changing Nigeria, the youth have risen boldly and intentionally to get their voices heard. They have rejected the lust for power of politicians that ought to be in retirement. They have consciously chosen who they want to lead them into the next four years.
“In taking a stand, the Nigerian youth have done what their grandfathers have refused to do. They considered fairness, justice, and equity. They embraced the path of unity for Nigeria. They have adopted a bold vision of a country where every kind of Nigerian is carried along irrespective of beliefs, faith, tribe, language, gender, and social status. They are committed to seeing that peace returns to Nigeria and that we experience the true promise of our founding fathers.
“This magical movement, a youth-driven political revolution, is inspired by the candidacy of Peter Obi, a modern-day leader who we can all believe in.
“Our country has never seen this level of passion in the youth. Instead of criticism and unfair attacks, these courageous and gifted youth deserve the support and encouragement of all Nigerians.
“The Obi-dient Movement cannot be ignored, shamed, or waved away. It is the fastest growing and biggest political movement in Nigeria today. The forces that have imprisoned the dreams of the younger generations of this country are terrified because they know the unstoppable power of the youth”.
Announcing his support for Peter Obi, Ozigbo said, “Pulled by the brilliance of the candidacy of Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti, inspired by the passion of the Nigerian youth, and driven by an undying love for Nigeria, I, Valentine Ozigbo, at this moment, formally join the Obi-dient Movement”.
The Anambra business mogul said he has briefed the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of his decision to quit the party adding that he assured him of his abiding love and respect for him as a father, a leader, and a friend.
