Solidarity March: Obi Supporters Shutdown Onitsha, Demand Leadership Change in 2023

Thousands of supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi on Sunday shut down the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State in solidarity with his ambition to become the president of the country in 2023.

They came out en masse at about 11:30am and gathered at the Zik’s Avenue from where the rally kicked off.

The supporters, under the aegis of Peter Obi PVC Vanguard, sang songs in praise of Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Ahmed Datti and wore fez caps, branded T-shirts and banners and trekked round the streets of Onitsha and terminated the rally at the Chinua Achebe’s Stadium, Fegge, Onitsha.

The groups tagged the rally, ‘Onitsha mega rally: The mother of all rallies’ and were mainly youths, who danced, amid the gridlock and admiration of residents who trooped out to catch a glimpse.

The march caused a gridlock with many motorists diverting to other routes as the supporters sang, “Obi, Obi, Obi”, “We no dey give shishi, we no dey collect shishi” and danced through to the excitement of residents and passers-by.

Addressing the supporters, the convener, Mr Chibuike Akpotue, said the event was not mainly about the Labour Party but about who can lead the country out of its current poor state.

Akpotue pointed out that the people not happy about the situation of the country are the structure of Peter Obi, adding that the LP presidential candidate has their total support.

He said, “We just want to show the world that Obi has our support, he was born in Onitsha, he grew up in Onitsha, his businesses are here. So, we decided today to show him solidarity because we were told he does not have structure, we want to tell them we are his structure.

“This is not about Labour Party. The most important thing is that we want someone that can change the economy of this country. Since I graduated, I did not find any job to do and I went into business, which is not a bad idea.

“We know the amount it costs us to load one truck in 2010 and the amount it is costing now. We know the amount it costs us for the upkeep of our families before 2015 and the amount it is costing us now. So, no one can say that the economy is comfortable for him.

“We are looking for a person that can turn around the economy of this country for good and not a party. Check out Obi’s record as Anambra governor, you will see that he is the only governor that served eight years and yet never have any issue with the EFCC and he goes a out without any escort.”

He advised the supporters that the 2023 election is the only opportunity available to get the country back on the right track and they must not miss it.

The Director of Programmes, Peter Obi PVC Vanguard, Mr Godian Obasi, told the supporters not to just go out and vote on the election day but they should stay back and guide their votes to ensure the right thing was done.

Obasi also called on Nigerians to prepare to make a change that will reposition the future direction of the country.

“What we are doing here today is also to enlighten the people on the importance of the 2023 elections in the life of our country and why they must come out to vote, unlike in the past.”

“Gone are the days when politicans will come and share money or items, this time around, we are telling the people to come out en masse on the election day and vote and ensure their votes count,” Obasi added.