Peter Obi, LP’s Presidential Candidate, his running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti, and other dignitaries during a rally organised by Middle Belt Forum in Jos.

By Polycarp Auta

Jos, Sept. 28, 2022

Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi has promised to end insecurity, poverty and unemployment in Nigeria if elected in 2023.

Obi made the promise at a rally organised by the Middle Belt Forum on Thursday in Jos.

The LP candidate, who also promised to address hunger, unemployment and corruption, said that he would promote quality education at all levels and improve power supply.

“If you elect me as your president, I will provide security at all levels so that our people can go to farm and by so doing, the issue of food insecurity and hunger will be a thing of the past.

“We will create jobs for our teeming unemployed youth and end poverty.

We will make our educational system functional and improve electricity supply.

“We will block all leakages and end corruption at all levels; our government will be a responsible one. We will not fail Nigerians.

“We want a new Nigeria, and we are determined to make Nigerians happy again,” he said.

Obi, however, advised the people to pray for peaceful and credible elections in 2023, adding that only credible polls would produce credible leaders.

Earlier, the Dr Pogu Bitrus, the President of Middle Belt Forum, said that the forum is in support of Obi’s candidature, insisting that Obi’s presidency would address the problems the middle belt has been faced with.

Bitrus explained that the forum had thrown its weight behind Obi based on the principle of justice and fairness.

“We didn’t arrive at the decision to support Peter Obi on sheer sentiments, but on the principle of justice and fairness.

“Again, after a careful study, we realise that Obi is competent and capable to take this nation out of its current challenges.

“So, we organised this rally to show that we are fully in support of his candidature,” he said.

Also speaking, Prophet Isa El-Buba, the Convener of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), advised Nigerians to vote credible and responsible leaders in 2023.

El-Buba said as a preacher, he is supporting Obi because he believed he would salvage the nation from its current woes.

He, however, called on Nigerians, not to sell their votes and to ensure they vote for credible candidates in the forthcoming polls.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obi visited Da Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs.

Nigeria Need Prayers and Courage

Remarks Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party at the Jos Rally Wednesday 28th September 2022

1. My fellow Nigerians and OBIdients, I join you today as we mark the formal start of the 2023 campaign season.  We must all reflect on the journey we are embarking upon.  We seek a new nation, but to arrive there, we need prayers and courage.
2. Given our prevailing political and economic situation; the government that comes to power in May 2023 will confront overwhelming array of national interest challenges. However, as we head into her next presidential elections in 2023; we aim to canvass for electoral legitimacy, as means to governance legitimacy. So we must do three things urgently.
3. First, we must pray.  We must pray for peaceful and successful elections; for the turnaround of our country and for the security of the members of the OBIdient Family and every participant including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC throughout the duration of the exercise.
4. Second, we must summon up courage. The courage to stand up for what is right; to make the much needed sacrifices and ultimately, to rescue our country from those who have perfected State Capture.
5. Third, we must recommit ourselves to an issues-based campaign. Let us pray for a peaceful and issue-based campaign that will eventually lead to God’s desire for a president that will be best suitable for our great country moving forward. There is no alternative to discussing the way forward.  Those who contributed to ruining Nigeria cannot shy away from their role and complicity. NO more excuses!
6. For our part, the Obi-Datti administration represents, the HOPE, AND PROMISE for a united, secure and productive Nigeria and a transformative leadership that is imbued with competence, capacity, credibility and commitment.  These 4 Cs, are leadership competencies required to turn Nigeria around.
7. And here is my promise to the great and peace loving people of the Middle     Belt. Our administration will ensure that Nigerians are fully protected in their homesteads: and that their lives, properties and means of livelihood will always be secured. That, after all, is the Primary Responsibility of government.
8. We have no other country but Nigeria and we must learn to respect each other, tolerate and do things accordingly in order to create an atmosphere that will usher in unity, progress and the greatness we were destined for from inception.
9. God Almighty has blessed Nigeria. It is our job to make this country flourish once again, to regain her pride and to be a nation, where no one is oppressed.
10. Thank you all. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.