The founding mothers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have hailed the Presidential Candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for making former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, his choice candidate for vice president.

A statement signed by former Women Leader, Amb. Kema Chikwe, and pioneer Women Leader of PDP and ex-Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih, the group described the choice of Peter Obi as a welcome development saying that he attracts a love in the South East and Nigeria at large.

The group recalled that as Governor of Anambra State, Obi initiated and completed several projects that directly impacted the lives of the common man.

The statement read in part: “Obi’s commitment to the development of the state was clearly displayed in his efforts that revamped the educational sector in Anambra State and made her number one in the country in external examinations like WAEC and NECO for three consecutive years.

“He built strategic road networks that boosted the economic activities of the State, and completely overhauled the healthcare infrastructure of Anambra State.

“The choice of Peter Obi is a win for Nigeria and for the South East region. A man who has studied extensively in some of the best institutions in the world such as the London School of Economics, the Institute for Management and Development, Switzerland, and Oxford University Said Business School served on the boards of corporate organisations like Fidelity Bank Plc, Next International (Nigeria) Ltd, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“He also served in Government as a two-term Governor, Honorary Special Adviser to the President on Finance, and member, Presidential Economic Management Team.”

Anenih who spoke on behalf of the group at a meeting said that apart from bringing so much knowledge and experience to the table, Obi is a technocrat politician that will make a very fine Vice President.

Another member of the Group, the former Minister for Transport, former Minister of Aviation and former Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, Dr Kema Chikwe said: “Peter Obi finished his tenure as Governor of Anambra State and did not rest on his oars.

“He went back to acquire more intellectual experiences to boost both his business and political profile. He engages in developmental activities and tours nationally and internationally honouring invitations as keynote speaker on economic issues.

“He engages the youth and is constantly on the move. Peter will complement Atiku’s presidential bid effectively. My prayer is that the Atiku/Obi ticket works out for the PDP and for Nigeria. Congratulations to Their Excellencies Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.”

While urging leaders of the South East to fully support Atiku/Obi ticket, the group observed that the choice of a Vice Presidential candidate is a prerogative of the presidential candidate.

They called on those who may have issues with the selection of Peter Obi to place the collective good of the nation, region and party above their self-interests saying that as a group, they support the decision of the Presidential candidate and will work for the success of the Atiku/Obi ticket in the 2019 general elections.

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