Chief Edwin Clark has thrown his weight behind the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in the forthcoming February 25 presidential election.
The Ijaw leader who announced the choice of Obi also directed the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), to meet with the former Anambra State governor.
Clark disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
This is coming few days after former President Obasanjo endorsed Obi in his new year message to Nigeria.
Clark said the support for Obi is basically on justice following eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He noted that Obi’s pathway to sustainable development is commendable just as his desire to carry along people from the Niger Delta in his governance.
According to Clark, Nigeria must continue to be a nation where all citizens, regardless of tribe or religion, have equal opportunities.
He expressed confidence that the Peter Obi administration would do the most good for young people.
Clark, who is also the leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF), said giving the opportunity for a south easterner to lead the country will give true meaning to the former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon’s mantra after the civil war of “no victor no vanquished.”
He said, ” The decision of the leaders of Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt Forum, which I also lead, that the Northern part of the country as represented by President Muhammadu Buhari, which would have completed full eight (8) years as President by 29th May, 2023, should yield power to candidates from the South for purpose of unity, equity and fair play.
“That the South East geo political zone, which has not produced any elected President of this country since after the First Republic, and particularly during this Fourth Republic should be given the opportunity to produce the next President of Nigeria given that the zone has the capacity to present highly competent and qualified persons, for the office.
” That, this will bring to practical expression the commitment of the General Yakubu Gowon led Federal Military Government of ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’, a dictum, at the end of the Nigeria Civil War in 1970.”
He further added, “And that, given his sound educational background, distinguished antecedent in professional life and track record as one of the most outstanding Governors this country has ever produced during his tenure in Anambra State and his vision for the country and the Niger Delta in particular, His Excellency Peter Obi is eminently qualified to lead this country as President.
“Taking all these factors into consideration, and putting His Excellency Peter Obi side by side with all other candidates being presented by other political parties, I am convinced beyond doubt, that our country Nigeria has a great opportunity to elect a phenomenal team, the candidate of the Labour Party, and his Deputy, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmad, as President and Vice President respectively.
“I formally hereby announce that I will, therefore, personally, vote for HE Peter Obi and his Vice Presidential candidate on election day, 25th Feb, 2023, as President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
