Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s nominee for president, claimed that it was untrue that he ran a frugal campaign (without giving “shishi”). But if he were to become the next president of Nigeria in 2023, he would be more concerned about using public funds for good.
He made this statement on Monday in Abuja at a dialogue with stakeholders from the north-eastern region. At the ceremony, Obi also refuted rumors that he was covertly opposing Atiku Abubakar, his former boss, and the PDP’s presidential candidate.
Obi spoke on the topic of thriftiness:
“People say we don’t give people ‘shishi’. It is not true. But I want to use your money for your good. I want to use it to educate your children and give them opportunities. I don’t want to steal your money. That’s not what I am doing because it is wrong. Rather, I want to be part of you and your children.
“I want you to understand that I am committed to you. I am committed to the Northeast. I am not going to be your President from Abuja.
“I am going to be your President from the Northeast. There’s no way I will not tour every single state of Nigeria. I’ll be everywhere,” he said.
The 2023 presidential election, according to former Secretary of the Government of the Federation and leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Engr. Babachir Lawal is a must-win election given the status of the country at the time.