2019: Atiku’s Endorsements Soars as South-east Leaders Kick

By Uche Mbah

The soaring profile of the Atiku-Obi ticket is quietly unnerving the presidnency. In a panic measure, the Buhari Media Centre, BMC, have taken to smear campaign against Atiku-the same mistake that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, did in 2014 in the wake of the 2015 elections.

It will be recalled that personality attacks rather than the showcasing of their achievements was one of the reasons that led to the PDP losing the 2015 presidential elections.

The focus of the presidency is currently on the alleged corrupt profile of Atiku. But it appears to be an uphill task since it is difficult to deny the monumental corruption allegations against those around the presidency. Only recently, Aisha Buhari, wife of the president, accused her Orderly of collecting monies on her behalf and got him arrested. This magazine has it on good authority that the accused has been in DSS custody since the allegation was made and has refused to agree that he stole, or where the loot is hidden.Those close to the family said he is accusing her of using him to collect monies and later planning to dump him.

Meanwhile the profile of Atiku’s new running mate, Peter Obi, is soaring despite the crisis of endorsement rocking the appointment of Peter Obi by the South east governors and leaders. Last week, Former President Obasanjo was in Malaysia, and was vehement in his support for the duo. He was said to have told those in the conference to back the ”incoming president” . In the same conference, the American representative was said to have  that “we in America are already contacting our allies”. Within the same period, the Archbishop of Canterbury flew in to Abuja and held a closed door meeting with Atiku. it will be recalled that the Archbishop of Canterbury has been a regular companion of Buhari whenever he goes to London.

While the acceptance of Peter Obi is across board, the South east governors have been irked that Obi was picked instead of their agreed choice, Chukwuma Soludo. Their rebellion has resulted in threats of shifting their weight behind the re election of Buhari if care is not taken. But pacification meetings are ongoing.

It was alleged that those who are vehement in their opposition-like Chris Ubah of the Godfather scandal in Anambra-are doing so on the ground that Obi is not open handed, that he is too thrifty to dole out money whenever they need it, that he will be asking too many questions. Obi has been known to practice economic shrewdness, and that was the reason for his success as a governor in Anambra state. This is against the general behavior of the average politician. It is said to be the best combination-spendthrift Atiku and tightfisted Obi. He was said to be the candidate of Nyesom Wike, the strong man of Rivers state.

Others who were said to have opposed the nomination, like Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, are doing so because it is jeopardizing their chances on the throne. Buhari was said to have promised him the presidency in 2023 after his second tenure. It will be recalled that Buhari also made the same promise to Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, National leader. Others that are not happy are Willie Obiano, Anambra state governor,who has been having a running battle with Obi, and Osita Chidoka, former Aviation Minister who was also on the consideration line for the VP position. he was said to have been one of those instrumental to the reconciliation meeting between Obasanjo and Atiku.