Obi supporters halt activities in Asaba, Calabar

Supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Yusuf Datti-Ahmed, yesterday, halted activities in Asaba, Delta State and Calabar, Cross River State for hours as they held road walks across major streets in the two capital towns.

In Asaba, commercial tricycle operators had a hectic time during the period of the road walk, which took off from Inter Bau Flyover to Ogbogonogo and then back to the flyover.

It was the second shutdown in Asaba as a similar one was held weekend by the ‘Obidient’ Movement, which comprises various support groups for Obi/Datti presidential tickets.

They sang and danced to music from various DJs, attracting more people into their folds, who expressed willingness to vote for LP in next year’s presidential election.

They also expressed confidence that Nigeria and Nigerians would have a fresh breath of air if Obi is elected President, saying Nigerians are tired of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to some of the supporters, the Obi/Datti ticket is the solution to the challenges of insecurity, poor economy, industrial actions and bad leadership.

LP Chairman in Delta State, Tony Ezeagwu, told journalists the rally, which he described as ‘Mother of all Rallies’, was organised by party support groups.

The party chairman stated that Nigerians and Nigeria were ready for genuine change, and urged them not to lose hope in the country.

CALABAR supporters converged on the 11-11 Roundabout, from where they proceeded into the streets of Calabar chanting: “Freedom has come finally.” “Youths, seize this God-send opportunity and vote in Mr Peter Obi”, “Our time is fading out. We are doing this for your sake. You better wake up and seize this chance and free yourself from the cabals and corrupt politicians .”

Speaking to newsmen, the state Labour Party Chairman, Ogar Osim, said they had estimated to parade only two million in support of Peter Obi’s candidacy but the crowd far exceeded two million.

“This is to send a message to other parties, who seem to underrate our strength. You can see that Nigerians are very tired of other parties that bastardise our collective gains and channeled them into selfish paths.

“You can see that Nigerians are now rooting for Labour Party and indeed Peter Obi…”

The state Coordinator of Peter Obi Integrity Network for Transformation (POINT), Mr. Etom Ofem, said his support group has over 5,000 members and has all come from all parts of the state to join others in the march.

According to him, more than 90 per cent of members have PVCs and the massive number will certainly translate into votes in the 2023 general elections.