'I Never Said I Will Fight Anambra Election with the Last Drop of My Blood'

Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on Monday described as wicked and ungodly the report in a newspaper, quoting him as having said he would fight the state governorship election with the last drop of his blood.

Answering questions on the matter during the Awka Diocesan Laity Week in Awka, Obi said it was malicious and ungodly of anyone to ascribe such language to him.

“Those who know me over the years will easily tell you that the statement is antithetical to everything I stand for,” Obi stated.

On the actual statement he made, Obi said he only encouraged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) people to embrace reconciliation and go to the election with everything that they have, especially as a united family.

He said: “I said the PDP would fight the election the way the PDP had never done before and that it would be the first time PDP conducted only one primary and that the party must reconcile now and go to the election as a united family. I emphasised the need for reconciliation by saying that what the PDP needed was reconciliation, reconciliation and reconciliation.”

Recalling his political odyssey, Obi said he had gone through tough times in politics, including the denial of his victory in 2003, his impeachment in 2006 and the truncating of his tenure in 2007. 

The former governor noted that in those critical times, even when his followers had different views, he did not make any statement, asking how can he make such statement when he is not contesting.

“During my time, I welcomed other opposing parties that came to Anambra State to campaign against me. At times, I provided them with logistics. I did that when Mr. Babatunde Fashola came to campaign for Dr. Chris Ngige and when Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu  led the PPA  to campaign in the state-all against me, during the electioneering for my second tenure.

“Even when my people suggested we should place very high tariffs on billboards and posters, I refused, insisting that much as we sell our manifestos to the people, the election should be prosecuted as one family. During campaign for Governor Willie Obiano, whether running around or doing other things at that time, we did not do it with the last drop of our blood. All in all, I cannot use such language even in my dream,” he said.

 Furthermore, Obi said in his eight years as governor of the state, that he worked passionately for the growth and development of state, and has continued to do so. I always desist from anything, be it act or utterances, that is not expected in a fair game.

On the accusation that he went to the shrine for the person he is supporting to remain obedient to him, Obi started by thanking the  candidate of his party, Mr. Oseloka Obaze for engaging in campaign of issues.

He advised those who had chosen blackmail to think twice, as according to him, the campaign would be run by the incumbent showcasing what he has done in four years to  be worthy of the confidence of the people and by  new candidates showing what they would do.

 “All I can tell you is that the story of shrine and related nonsense are clearly the antics of the opposition that is afraid of facing reality,” he said.