Why Obasanjo Endorsed Peter Obi

With the 2023 general elections only weeks away following the new year celebrations, politicians have started forming political alliances and have began choosing sides to stay relevant in the political business, and for former Nigeria president, Olusegun Obasanjo, it is no different heading into February.

Olusegun Obasanjo’s choice to support Peter Obi has drawn criticism from former presidential adviser Reno Omokri.

On January 1st, Obasanjo formally endorsed Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

Eight weeks before the general elections, Obasanjo made the announcement in an open letter to Nigerian youths.

Despite the fact that other contenders are capable of leading, he claimed that Peter Obi is the country’s essential needle and thread.

Young Nigerians were exhorted by Obasanjo to exercise their rights, participate in the elections in 2023, and stand up for their votes.

Reno Omokri, however, a fervent supporter of Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and presidential contender for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), asserted that Obasanjo’s backing for Obi was intended to mend the hole left by the civil war of 1966.

According to him, the late Yar’Adua insisted on Goodluck Jonathan even though the former President preferred former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili to serve as Vice President in 2007.

“President Obasanjo is a good-hearted man. He has always wanted a President from the SE[South East] or close to the SE[South East]as a way to heal the Civil War wounds.

“In 2007, he wanted Peter Odili, but Yar’adua insisted on Governor Jonathan as VP. What Obj [Obasanjo]did won’t affect the election!”