Soludo’s comment on Obi borne out of deep-seated envy, says group

The Coalition of South East Professionals Network in Nigeria and Diaspora, (CSEPNND), has described a statement by Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over his position on the presidential bid of his predecessor and candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi as one borne out of deep-seated envy for the unanimity among Nigerians on the candidacy of Obi.

Soludo had, Monday, shocked political watchers when he declared that the LP presidential candidate does not have the capacity and clout to win next year’s poll, claiming that facts on the ground showed that the contest will be a two-horse race.

In a statement signed, Tuesday, by National President, Prof. Madumere Chika, and National Secretary, Mazi Anayo Uchemba, the South East professionals accused Soludo of championing a pull-him-down campaign against an illustrious son of the South East, at a time when patriots across the regional divides have struck a consensus on Obi.

While insisting that the Peter Obi candidacy is a national project whose time of materialisation has come, CSEPNND warned Igbo politicians opposing the presidential bid of the LP candidate against dire consequences, particularly mass action by the people.

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The statement reads: “We rise to condemn in the strongest terms the position of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo as it concerns the presidential ambition of the representative of the New Nigeria Project, a shrewd investor, Mr. Peter Obi.

“While recognising the fact that Soludo may be envious of the surging acceptability and rising political profile of the LP presidential candidate, we advise the Anambra State Governor to apply restraint in his conducts and utterances, in order not to draw the ire of millions of youths, men and women of goodwill across the six geo-political zones of the country.

“We make bold to say that Peter Obi – as it stands today – is akin to a moving train, hence will crush anyone standing in the way of rebirth, reengineering and recalibration of the new Nigeria of our dreams.

“Our consolation is founded on the reality that Soludo is obviously a lone voice, which lacks the capacity to influence popular opinion, which currently favours Obi.

“We want to use this opportunity to commend Nigerians, especially Obidients, who have shown unity of purpose, as far as the 2023 presidential election is concerned.

“In a special way also, we salute the irreversible stand of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and other respected groups and individuals, for demonstrating unparalleled patriotism and courage.

“We, however, are hopeful that Prof. Soludo will rethink his position,which is at variance with common sense, and popular will.

“The 2023 presidential election is a defining moment, where Nigerians will choose between the status quo, which has kept us where we are, and a new order that will engender prosperity and growth.”