A former Anambra State governor and Labour Party chieftain, Peter Obi, on Tuesday has said he has no “stain” of election rigging and violence on his name.
He promised to deal with corruption and redirect Nigeria in four years.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Obi reaffirmed his vow to serve one term if elected president, adding “In four years we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas.”
He stated, “For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.”
Challenging Nigerians to investigate to prove his political antecedent, Mr Obi said, “Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice.”
“I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility.”
Mr Obi stated that his pledge to serve a single term and not seek re-election if elected president was not driven by desperation for power.
He noted, “If the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it. I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter. There are some traits associated with desperation, which in no way are in any of my political behaviours in the past and now, like engaging in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to prove a point or gain attention, becoming overly defensive or reactive to criticism, often to the point of appearing paranoid.
“Making unrealistic or unfulfillable promises to win support or approval, resorting to personal attacks or character assassination to discredit opponents or frequently changing positions or policies to suit immediate political needs.’’
Mr Obi, who served two terms as Anambra State governor, stirred reactions after vowing to serve one term if elected president.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, noted that any politician promising to serve one term needed psychiatric evaluation.
Also, spokesperson for the President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, described Mr Obi a liar, recalling how he vowed never to leave his former party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, only to abandon it a few years later.
