Professionals from the South East have criticized Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, for supporting Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for president in the 2023 election. They claim that Soludo is the biggest opponent of Ndigbo and the New Nigeria concept.
They asserted that Ndigbo and the majority of Nigerians are unified behind the LP presidential campaign and accused Governor Soludo of being jealous of the LP presidential candidate’s burgeoning popularity and political stature.
Recall that Soludo stunned political observers a few days ago when he said that the LP presidential candidate lacks the ability and influence to win next year’s election, asserting that the situation on the ground demonstrated that the race will be a two-horse race.
To be clear, Peter Obi is aware that he cannot and will not succeed.
He is aware of the game he is playing, as are we, and he is aware that we are aware.
“The fundamental reason he left the All Progressives Grand Alliance is the game he is playing.
There are only two candidates/parties that are truly running for president; the rest of the race is thrilling theatre, according to the terrible reality (and some will say, God, forbid).
The fact that Joe Biden, 79, and Donald Trump, 76, are the two front-runners in their respective parties for president does not change the reality that, if both of them become candidates, one of them will unquestionably become president in 2024, regardless of how many Americans disagree with that fact.
“I wish him well and even pray for him as my brother.
During his courtesy call, I expressed to him my hope that either he or Prof. Umeadi of the APGA would win.
“That is from the bottom of my heart, but I also informed him that my mind and the facts on the ground had shown me that its probability is next to nil (what I cannot say in front of you, I won’t say in the back of you).
So, I previously gave him my viewpoint.
Indeed, he has no realistic road to the first two spots, and if caution is not exercised, he won’t even be close to the third position, according to Soludo.
The Coalition of South East Professionals Network in Nigeria and the Diaspora (CSEPNND) responded by claiming that the remark was the result of deep-seated enmity for the widespread support for Obi’s candidacy among Nigerians.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the National President, Prof. Madumere Chika, and the National Secretary, Mazi Anayo Uchemba, the South East professionals accused Soludo of supporting a campaign to denigrate an accomplished son of the region at a time when patriots from all over the country have agreed on Obi.
While adamant that the Peter Obi campaign is a national initiative whose time has come to materialize, CSEPNND forewarned Igbo politicians who oppose the LP candidate for president of serious repercussions, including large protests by the populace.
We rise to vehemently disagree with Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s stance on Mr Peter Obi, the astute investor who represents the New Nigeria Project, and his desire to become president.
“We ask the governor of Anambra State to exercise moderation in his actions and remarks so as not to arouse the wrath of millions of young people, men, and women of goodwill throughout the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
We boldly assert that Peter Obi, as it currently exists, is comparable to a rolling train and will, therefore, destroy anybody obstructing the birth, reengineering, and recalibration of the new Nigeria of our dreams.
Part of the statement said, “Our comfort is based on the truth that Soludo is a lone voice, which lacks the potential to influence popular opinion, which now favours Obi.”
The experts noted that the days of Ndigbo being their enemies are long gone and cautioned against pull-down syndrome, adding that the overwhelming support Obi is receiving today signals a new era for the South East in particular and the nation as a whole.
“We would want to use this opportunity to thank Nigerians, especially Obidients, for their demonstrated unity of purpose regarding the 2023 presidential election.
We commend the unwavering stance taken by the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere and other reputable organizations and people in particular for their unmatched bravery and patriotism.
We are optimistic, nevertheless, that Prof. Soludo will reconsider his stance, which runs counter to both public opinion and basic reason.
The statement added, “The 2023 presidential election is a defining moment. Nigerians will choose between the current quo, which has kept us where we are, and a new order that would produce wealth and progress.
