Peter Obi: Igbo leaders never opposed my nomination as Atiku’s running mate

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, says Igbo leaders were never against his nomination as running mate of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obi’s nomination was protested by Igbo leaders who claimed they were not consulted by the PDP or Atiku.

But Obi said the issue in contention was with the process of his emergence and not with him.

Speaking when he visited David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, on Monday, Obi said the social media misrepresented issues around his emergence.

“They (Igbo leaders) have the right to disagree with such process and this made them humbly request for a meeting with the party’s presidential candidate,” Obi said.

“Unfortunately, we leave in an era where the social media controls every part of news as I declare especially to the press that Umahi remains the zone’s leader and the best in the country.”

The former governor said Umahi made his nomination possible through his efforts as secretary of the PDP national convention committee.

He said such efforts by PDP leaders, especially Umahi, “ensured that the party’s presidential candidate thought of choosing his running-mate from the south-east zone.

“That is why I came home to tell south-east people that the nomination is not for me alone but for them as its success rests on the efforts of Umahi, its leaders and the entire people”.

Obi also said he never thought of getting nominated nor discussed such with anybody.

“We will work together to succeed as the PDP is desirous of returning to power not just to return but to correct the anomalies presently witnessed in the country,” he added.