Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has chosen former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to be his presidential running mate in the 2019 general election.
The duo and some party bigwigs were reported to have on Friday met at the residence of the former VP in Abuja and both agreed on the choice of the former governor.
“Peter Obi is a great pick — he’s been fighting for the poor and middle-class families his entire life,” said a PDP stalwart. “Atiku’s option for an experienced governing partner will help him present the PDP ticket as a steady alternative to president Buhari.
” Together they portray themselves as bridge-builders who will champion government as a powerful and positive tool for Nigeria. While their policy positions have not been identical, they are of like mind about battling to keep President Muhammadu Buhari out of the Aso Villa come 2019.”
Peter Obi (born 19 July 1961) is a Nigerian politician who was governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from March 17, 2006 to November 2, 2006, when he was impeached and from February 9,2007 to May 29, 2007 after his impeachment was overturned. Although a fresh election was held on April 29, 2007, he has been reappointed governor on 14 June 2007 after a court ruling that he should be allowed to complete a four-year term. He won a 6 February 2010 election for a second term as governor.
He attended Christ the King College, Onitsha where he completed his secondary school education. He was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1980, graduating with a B.A (Hons) in philosophy in 1984. and he is the chairman of Nigeria Security and Exchange Commission.
Going into business, he became Chairman of Next International Nigeria Ltd, then Chairman and Director of Guardian Express Mortgage Bank Ltd, Guardian Express Bank Plc, Future View Securities Ltd, Paymaster Nigeria Ltd, Chams Nigeria Ltd, Data Corp Ltd and Card Centre Ltd. He was the youngest Chairman of Fidelity Bank PLC.
Meanwhile, Anambra State is reported to have erupted in wild jubilation moments after the news that the former governor of the state, Peter Obi, was named the Vice Presidential candidate to Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 general election.
Most pubs in Awka, the state capital, were caught in the euphoral . “Peter Obi is a man who has a date with destiny.I’m not surprised that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar picked him to assist him to run the affairs of this country if he wins the presidency,” a lawyer who did not give his name said.
He added:“That’s a confirmation of the good works Obi did here as governor. It’s a confirmation that Obi is ordained for greatness.It is a right choice. Nigeria will be great for it because Obi has a robust background of the private sector and tall achievements in governance.”
Also, speaking, a governorship candidate on the platform of PDP, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, said, “Atiku made the right choice in Peter Obi.
“Nigerians’ prayer is answered. His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has made the right choice in picking Peter Obi as his running make.Atiku has just exhibited the ability to make hard-headed decision required of purposeful leaders.
“Let’s get Nigeria working again. God bless Atiku. God bless Peter Obi and God bless Nigeria,” Obaze said.