Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the head of the pan-Yoruba sociocultural group Afenifere, has chastised several South-East Nigerians for reportedly failing to contribute financially to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, in the upcoming election.
In 2022, Obi became Adebanjo’s first choice for president, and he has continued to insist that he is still the strongest contender.
Apart from his competence, Adebanjo argues that Obi should be chosen as Nigeria’s next leader in order to uphold equity and fairness as well as the country’s unity.
While speaking at an event organised for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, in Lagos on Wednesday, Adebanjo lamented that some wealthy people from Southeast Nigeria (Igbo) are not giving Obi the financial support required to drive his presidential ambition.
He said that while many Igbo people are billionaires, they have refused to support Obi’s presidential bid financially.
The Afenifere leader said, “These days, I don’t fancy those who talk about united Nigeria in peace without action to back it up. Many people, even among the Igbo, pay lip service to a united Nigeria because of their selfish interest; Obiozor was not one of them. Obiozor was a distinguished scholar, an ambassador par excellence, an intellectual of international repute, and a qualified and distinguished Nigerian.
“When you want to mention the people who give this country recognition and respect, how can you not mention George? He is one of our prides. He shouldn’t have gone now because we are in the middle of a great battle.
“Unfortunately, the Igbo are not giving Obi financial support. I am challenging you openly; you have not been giving Obi the financial support. Those of us supporting him are poor people.
“I know that you people are billionaires. This is the time to spend your money for a good cause. Obi must not suffer anything financially in this cause when he has you people.
“It is a great shame and that is one of the reasons I am missing Obiozor; a man of courage; a man who will call a spade a spade; very diplomatic, courageous and distinguished in character. I hope there are more of him in Igbo land, who will contribute to this struggle to keep Nigeria a united country in peace.”
