Senator Pius Anyim, a former secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), praised Peter Obi, the candidate for the Labour Party’s presidential nomination, for carrying out what Anyim himself was unable to do politically.
Anyim asserts that Mr. Obi’s ability to elevate the labor party from relative obscurity to a position of significance made a significant contribution to the political advancement of Nigeria.
Anyim revealed this in a statement he signed and provided to journalists over the weekend. In it, he also refuted claims that he and other PDP leaders were working with the G5 Governors.
He claims that Obi has dispelled a long-held myth and should be seen as having enormously inspired the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
But he insisted that he is still a PDP card-carrying member.
“I want to be very clear that I decided to stay in the PDP after the Presidential Primaries because I am a leader and a responsible Nigerian citizen who should and does put Nation above my own interests. I must admit that my experience working with President Goodluck Jonathan helped me make my decision. It may be necessary to note that I have been a devoted member of my party, the PDP, since the PDP Presidential Primaries and have absolutely no intention of leaving my party. The fact that I have remained in the party since 1999 despite many others leaving and returning to the PDP numerous times was one of my campaign’s selling points during the primaries.
Regarding His Excellency Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, I should note that I participated in the PDP Presidential Primaries alongside H/E Peter Obi and other candidates. At some point, all of us from the South East met and decided to collaborate to ensure the zoning of the presidential position to the South East and that whoever got the ticket should be supported by the others.
His Excellency Peter Obi quit and joined the Labour Party after the zoning failed, but I persisted to the until end.
To His Excellency Peter Obi’s credit, he is now taking into account in the political equation of the 2023 presidential election. I must say right now and always that His Peter Obi has my admiration for accomplishing what I was unable to.
“For me, whether or not His Excellency Peter Obi wins should not be the main concern; rather, it should be noted that he was able to create the Labour Party out of thin air and has earned a prestigious place in Nigerian political history.
“At this point, let me say that whoever God has predestined to be the next president of Nigeria is already settled and no man can change that. I know many Nigerians believe this. I also want to say that it is depressing when people make assumptions about who someone is supporting.
“I am positive that I have never discussed who will win or lose with anyone; instead, I have remained loyal to my party. I should clarify for everyone’s benefit that I am still a card-carrying PDP member and that I am always in a very sound mental state.
The statement partially said, “Finally, I hereby state that the captioned “How G5 Governors, Other PDP Leaders stand on Presidential Choice” has nothing to do with me.”
