Mukhtar Shagari, a former Minister of Water Resources has dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP will win the 2023 presidential election. He said Obi should have joined one of the two major political parties in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Congress, APC to actualize his dreams of becoming president and commander-in-chief.
The former minister said this is the reason why he declined to be the LP running mate, saying he was contacted by the party to run alongside Obi.
Shagari, a cousin to former Nigeria president and former Deputy Governor of Sokoto state spoke amidst yesterday’s revelation by the LP to kick off its presidential campaign today.
Speaking on the chances of Obi defeating other presidential candidates in next year’s election, the former minister said the LP candidate will be defeated, saying he did not see “the path through” which Obi can emerge winner in the election.
According to Shagari, “The Labour party contacted me and requested if I would like to be the Vice Presidential candidate to Peter Obi,” the PDP chieftain said.
“And I looked at the political scenario, what Labour party is, and decided that I cannot be the Vice Presidential candidate to Peter Obi.
“I do not see the path through which Peter Obi will win the election in this country.
“It is so clear that in areas in the South-East, and young people are shouting about him on social media – yes, it’s politics.
“But the truth of the matter is that there are two dominant parties in this country – APC and PDP. If you want to become President, I think you must belong to one of them.”
Meanwhile, the LP said it will unveil the party’s presidential campaign team on Wednesday. This was disclosed by the party’s spokesman, Doyin Okupe yesterday in Abuja during a chat with journalists.
