Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, refuted claims of an obsession with replacing President Bola Tinubu and emphasized the importance of addressing pressing national issues during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Obi faced criticism after questioning the Federal Government’s timing and prioritization of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, advising a focus on fixing existing roads nationwide. Critics accused him of being overly critical due to alleged desperation to secure the presidency in 2027 and questioned his vision and capacity for effecting change.
Addressing the media, Obi expressed disappointment with the focus on personal ambition rather than discussing vital issues affecting the country. He clarified that while he is not driven by desperation for the presidency, he is passionate about improving the lives of poor and less privileged Nigerians.
Obi stressed the need for continuous efforts to uplift those in need, highlighting the everyday struggle faced by millions of Nigerians. He emphasized the importance of action beyond election periods and underscored his commitment to effecting positive change.
Regarding infrastructure, Obi advocated for prioritizing the repair of existing roads over initiating new projects. He cited examples of major highways in dire need of repair and criticized the tendency to prioritize new projects over maintaining existing infrastructure.
Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State, Obi emphasized the importance of completing ongoing projects before embarking on new ones. He highlighted road networks across the country requiring urgent attention and pledged to focus resources on addressing existing infrastructure challenges if elected president.
Obi’s remarks underscore a commitment to addressing national issues and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians over personal ambition, challenging critics’ perceptions of his motivations and capabilities as a presidential candidate.