He pointed out that voters no longer base their decisions on their religion, where they are from, or whether they felt entitled.
Speaking to a crowd in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, the presidential candidate claimed that past leaders have continued to divide Nigeria along tribal and religious lines out of self-interest, claiming that hunger and misery are indifferent to ethnic and religious affiliation.
If elected, Obi’s top objective, he said, will be to bring the nation back together and restore peace, despite the challenges it is currently facing.
He promised that in addition to strengthening the nation’s industry and production capabilities, he would also see to it that the educational system and the currency are strengthened.
He said, “[The] 2023 elections will be the turn of the people to elect who will be their leaders and not for any candidate’s turn; it is not going to be by tribe, religion because poverty and hardship do not recognize such things. Rather people should consider competence, capability and capacity. It is going to be based on whoever has the required mental and physical energy and capacity.”
Earlier, the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, praised the populace for turning out in large numbers to support the party’s presidential candidate, pledging that if elected, Obi will never betray their trust.
Abure advised the people not to vote for candidates who lack the ability to address Nigeria’s problems and who do not have their best interests at heart, attributing the country’s instability and poverty to poor leadership.
“A lot of companies have chosen to downsize, and maybe that was the right thing for them. We chose a different path. Our belief was that if we kept putting great products in front of customers, they would continue to open their wallets.”