By Ifeoma Ejiofor
A high-profile delegation of Atiku Abubakar Campaign Caretaker Committee led by the founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT), High Chief Dr Raymond Dokpesi, paid a consultative visit to Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Governorship Candidate for Anambra 2021, at his country home.
Chief Dokpesi stated that the visit aimed to inform Anambra citizens that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria and 2019 PDP Presidential Candidate, is once again aspiring to contest for the president in 2023. He stated that Anambra has been at the forefront of producing leaders of this great nation and has shown commitment to PDP as a party over the years.
“We have come to seek and solicit your support for the presidential aspiration of Waziri Atiku Abubakar and to assure you that Atiku Abubakar is in the best position to unify Nigeria and protect the interest of his in-laws (Ndigbo),” Chief Dokpesi said.
The media mogul lamented that Anambra missed out on having “the services of a dogged fighter” by failing to elect Valentine Ozigbo during the 2021 gubernatorial election while declaring that the forces that worked against the PDP candidate “cannot stop his light from shining”.
In his comments, Valentine Ozigbo thanked the Atiku Campaign team for finding him worthy of their visit and expressed admiration for Dr Dokpesi’s commitment, noting that he was encouraged by his consistency for the PDP. Ozigbo also appreciated the media mogul’s support during the last Anambra State governorship election.
While commenting on his perception of Atiku Abubakar, Ozigbo said that he looks out for character and competence in a leader and considers the former vice president as “eminently qualified to vie for the presidency of Nigeria”. He added that nobody would doubt Atiku’s capacity to lead, “but there is a need to note the sensitivity around the clamour for power shift”.
Touching on the issue of zoning and rotational presidency, Ozigbo described it as “sensitive” and called for “a high level of emotional intelligence” and “balance”. He concluded by saying that credible South-East leaders would need to come together and agree on the direction after considering all factors.
The Atiku team also had Engr. Olajide Adeniji, who acts as the secretary to the team, Emeka Donald Nwachukwu and Chief Obunike Ohaegbu, Mr Olumide Opeewe, Hajia Hassana Dada Shuaibu, Mr Adai Edwin Adai, Mr Ado Datti, and Amb. Bin Abbas.
Mr Ozigbo was joined at the meeting by some PDP stalwarts, party officials and several directors in VCO.