Adebanjo Advised Me To Put Aside Presidential Ambitions And Back Peter Obi, Okupe Discloses

Adebanjo Advised Me To Put Aside Presidential Ambitions And Back Peter Obi, Okupe Discloses

He explained his initial intention to run for the presidency, but revealed that Adebanjo advised him to set aside his political aspirations and support Peter Obi, citing the Southeast’s need for representation……. CONTINUE READING 

The politician made these remarks in a viral video circulated on social media last Friday.

He recounted Adebanjo’s objection to the idea of a northerner succeeding former President Muhammadu Buhari, emphasizing his support for the South producing Nigeria’s president in 2023.

“Baba Adebanjo called me upon hearing of my presidential aspirations, calling me a troublemaker. I explained the internal dynamics of our party to him,” he said.

“The PDP’s push for a northerner as Buhari’s successor didn’t sit right with me. It undermined our federalism and national unity,” he continued.

“When asked which part of the South should produce the president, I pointed out that only the Southeast hasn’t had its turn,” he added.

“Baba suggested backing the Southeast for the presidency, and I agreed. We evaluated candidates and settled on supporting Peter Obi,” he disclosed.

“I publicly withdrew my candidacy and pledged support for Peter Obi at the Press Centre in Abeokuta, although I hadn’t met him at the time. Our association began when he called me five days later, appointing me as his campaign Director-General,” he explained.

“When it became clear we couldn’t secure the PDP ticket, we left the party,” he concluded.

Addressing allegations of betrayal against Obi, he clarified that their political paths diverged due to personal ambitions, stressing that his loyalty wasn’t tied to Obi’s goals.

He also discussed Obi’s decision to contest against Atiku Abubakar, attributing it to his own ambitions and denying any betrayal towards Obi.

On the outcome of Obi’s presidential bid, he acknowledged shortcomings in the party’s national campaign structure, citing inadequate preparations.

“We ran a vigorous campaign and mobilized extensively, but our organizational flaws hindered us. The party wasn’t sufficiently structured for a nationwide election,” he admitted.