A group, the South-East Democratic Movement, SDM, has explained that the choice of the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi, as running mate to Alhaji Abubakar Atiku was a good omen to the economy.
Chairman of the group, Ambassador Chijioke Okoro, in an interview with DAILY POST in Abuja, stated that the economy was bleeding, hence a blend of technocrats and politicians were needed to manage the economy.
He stated that with the selection of Obi, the South-East people would not only be placed in the mainstream of governance, but it comes as a response to the marginalisation of the zone since 1999.
He stressed that the blend of Atiku and Obi would rebound the economy as both politicians run private businesses.
Chijioke added that the group welcomed the Obasanjo/Atiku conciliatory moves, saying that the development was in national interest.
“We, the members of SDM welcome the development, especially as it came from former President Obasanjo whom we have been waiting for, to hear his voice about Atiku. Now that he has spoken and endorsed Atiku as the 2019 Presidential candidate, we are happy that he made the declaration at the appropriate time.”
“He has made a good choice as a respected national statesman of this country given the bleak state of our economy and security under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. We are happy supporting Atiku and backing Obasanjo simultaneously come 2019.
“The coast is clear. At least, every Dick and Harry know that Buhari does not deserve re-election and have nothing to offer.”
He however expressed fears that the 2019 general election might not be free and fair.
“Going by what we experienced during the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, I don’t see Buhari conducting a free and fair election in 2019.
“Worse still, Buhari does not bother about conducting a free and fair election because he knows the masses and most Nigerians have rejected him even before the election,” Chijioke said.
He called on the government to be wary of the use of security agents to manipulate elections, asserting that voters were ready to defend their votes in 2019.
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