Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, has called former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi, his opponent in the Labour Party, an “endorsement of failure.”
Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi on Sunday drew criticism from rival political parties. The All Progressives Congress called it a “worthless” political ploy and said it would not have any direct effect on Bola Tinubu’s ambition to become the group’s presidential candidate. A similar viewpoint was also held by the Peoples Democratic Party.
Sowore, who is also a presidential candidate, reacted on Monday, commenting on Facebook that Obasanjo was an overrated Nigerian leader who “fetishised the rumination of Nigeria.”
He stated that he would be delighted with “the people’s endorsement” rather than Obasanjo’s endorsement.
The AAC standard bearer said, “Obasanjo’s repeated endorsement of @Peter Obi shows once again that the overrated three-time Nigerian ruler fetishises the ruination of Nigeria.
“Failure endorsing Failure. For us, we crave and are satisfied with the endorsements of the people.”
Obasanjo referred to Obi as his protege in his New Year’s speech and said the former governor of Anambra State will have an advantage in the 2023 elections.
Obasanjo said, “None of the contestants is a saint but when one compares their character, antecedent, their understanding, knowledge, discipline, and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job, particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I had, Peter Obi as a mentee has an edge.
“Others like all of us have what they can collectively contribute to the new dispensation to liberation, restoration and salvaging of Nigeria.
“One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost.
“In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary. He has a young and able running mate with a clean track record of achievement both in public and private life.”
