The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has advised that Nigerians should be prepared for a post-election crisis if the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi does not win the next election.
Adebanjo said there will be nothing like united Nigeria if Obi’s presidential bid fails this year.
He adopted Obi as his preferred presidential candidate in 2022 and has maintained that Obi remains the best candidate.
Adebanjo insisted that Obi is not only competent but should be voted by Nigerians as their next president for the sake of equity and fairness, and to keep Nigeria united.
While speaking at the celebration of the life and times of the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, in Lagos on Wednesday, Adebanjo said Obiozor’s death came at a time Nigerians were in a battle to save the country from years of oppression.
He said, “Forget Nigeria if you don’t vote for Obi. I am not boasting and it is not a threat. When we say we must come together, is it by cheating one of us? Is that equity, justice and peace?”
“These days, I don’t fancy those who talk about united Nigeria in peace without action to back it up. Many people, even among the Igbo, pay lip service to a united Nigeria because of their selfish interest; Obiozor was not one of them. Obiozor was a distinguished scholar, an ambassador par excellence, an intellectual of international repute, and a qualified and distinguished Nigerian.
“When you want to mention the people who give this country recognition and respect, how can you not mention George; he is one of our prides. He shouldn’t have gone now because we are in the middle of a great battle.”
According to him, having a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction (from Southeast Nigeria) in 2023 is a cause that everyone must fight for.
He added that Igbo people should not be shy about it as it is their constitutional right and not a favour.
Adebanjo, therefore, warned Nigerians to prepare for a post-election crisis, saying, “In giving tribute to Obiozor, you must be prepared for a post-election crisis. But, whoever causes or initiates it, must not get away with it.”
(Sahara Reporters)
