Chidi Samuel||
The euphoria that greeted Friday’s announcement of Peter Obi as Abubakar Atiku’s runnimate is gradually fading following the mounting opposition to Obi’s nomination by South East PDP leaders and other stake holders.
The pick of Obi which sources familiar with the happenings told this platform was pushed by Rivers State govvernor, Nyesom Wike and Bishop Hassan Kukah is being fiercely resisted by stake holders in the party from the South East who feel affronted that they were not consulted before the nomination of Obi.
Sources close to governor Wike has, however, denied direct involvement in the process.
Among those believed to be openly against obi’s choice is Ebomyi state governor, Dave Umahi who is the chairman of South East governors forum and governor of Obi’s Anambra state, Willy Obiano who has a frosty relationship with him.
Many party members in the region are angry that they were not consulted in the decision making process. They also questioned the rationale for picking Obi who they claim does not have a constituency. They equally noted that Obi is from Ananbra state, the state that produced the former vice president, late Dr Alex Ekwueme and most of the vice presidential candidates over the years.
A very prominent PDP leader told Alabingo.com that Umahi in opposing the choice of Obi reprsents the position of the South East governors forum.
He said, ”Umahi’s position is to a very large extent, the position of the governor’s from the South East. Obi does not have electoral value, even the PDP in Aambara state is not on suppor of his choice”.
”He cant even deliver Anambara state as things stand now”.
Another prominent party leader from Enugu state who believe that Ike Ekweremadu is best suited for the Job, said Obi bought the slot with money but believes the decision will cost PDP.
He said, ” This is what peter obi always wanted, we know he bought the position with money but lets see how far they can go with him”.
‘He can bambozzle you people in the media but we are the ones on the ground, Atiku has failed his first major test”.
A meeting of South East political stake holder has been scheduled to discuss whether to drop Obi and pick a more acceptable candidate but a source familiar with the Atiku campaign said reversing the situation wil cause more damage and that the campaign will try and manage the situation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not issued any statement yet on the choice of Atiu’s VP.
Peter Obi is also working the phones appealing to aggrieved stakeholders for support and understanding.
Val Obiyan, Obi’s media aide confirmed to this platform that they are aware of the oppostion to his principal’s candidature and are working on it.