A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and its candidate in the last Anambra State governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has dumped the party.
Ozigbo said he resigned his membership of the PDP to support the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He revealed this during an interview with Arise TV on Thursday.
The former PDP chieftain said his decision was based on the need to ensure a “competent and visionary leader” was elected in 2023 to lead Nigeria into the future.
Noting that Nigerians have been split into “those working to sustain the status quo and those uncomfortable with the status quo”, Ozigbo said, “I belong to the group that is uncomfortable with the status quo, and we must do what we have to do to save this country and set us back on the path of progress.”
He said, “There comes a defining moment in the life of any country when all people of good conscience must stand up to be counted. Those times offer no middle ground; you are either on the dark side or the side of the light.
“For Nigeria, 2023 is such a moment. Nigerians will be divided into two classes – those who will work to entrench the forces that have destroyed Nigeria or those warriors of the light who will work to bring justice, equity, and peace to our beloved country. And next year, as we go to the polls to elect a new president, there will be no fences to sit on.”
On his support for Obi, he said he was convinced the Labour Party presidential candidate possesses the needed qualities and capacities to transform Nigeria.
“Mr Obi will become the best president Nigeria will ever have,” Ozigbo said, adding that the groundswell of support Obi is receiving from the South-east region, and the entire country, is based mainly on the “revolutionary, inclusive, and inspiring leadership” he demonstrated as a governor of Anambra State.
Ozigbo said with Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as Obi’s running mate, Labour Party has an “unbeatable presidential ticket” that merits the support of Nigerians of all tribes and religion.
“Pulled by the brilliance of the candidacy of Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti, inspired by the passion of the Nigerian youth, and driven by an undying love for Nigeria, I, Valentine Ozigbo, at this moment, formally join the Obi-dient Movement,” he added.
He applauded Nigerian youths for rejecting the “old brigade of politicians” and “showing patriotism, boldness, and passion” in supporting the former governor of Anambra State.
Ozigbo came second in the 2021 Anambra State governorship election won by Charles Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance.