Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi, has appealed to his supporters popularly known as ‘Obidients’ to remain calm and keep hope alive.
This is coming days after the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, dismissed his petition challenging President Tinubu’s victory.
The court had on Wednesday, September 6, ruled that his petition against the declaration of Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 2023 presidential election lacked merit.
In a post shared on his X handle this morning, Obi asked his followers not to be deterred as the dream of having a “new and different” Nigeria would be tough but he is not giving up.
He added that the forces he and his supporters are up against are ‘’entrenched and formidable” but not ‘’insurmountable.”
The post titled ” Despair is not an Option” and addressed to all OBIdients and his supporters read in parts;
”Understandably, there has been a note of general disappointment within our fold and indeed the general population of Nigerians who hoped that the outcome of the February 25th Presidential election would usher in a new and different Nigeria of our dreams.
“That dream has only been deferred for now but remains alive for all times. Since the Tribunal verdict, there has been a note of general despair among the Obidients and the generality of our supporters.
” I assure you all that on this journey, despair or surrender is not in our options.
“Today, I want to personally reach out and encourage you all to keep hope alive. Considering the challenges that lie ahead of us as a movement, despair is not an option. Nothing good in life comes easy. Throughout history, positive changes come only with sacrifices, perseverance, resilience and fluctuating fortunes.
” Right from the onset of our journey, I told you all that the journey upon which we were about to embark was not a short sprint, but a long and tough marathon. It was always going to be difficult, painful and excruciating.
“We set out knowing fully well that the forces we are up against are entrenched and formidable but not insurmountable. They would resist the wind of change and try to push us into surrender or despair. We must not succumb to their design.
“I am inspired that we have endured the odds placed in our way at every point. In such a short space of time, we have persevered to get to the point where we cannot be ignored any longer. Therefore, I urge you to abide and never think of giving up.
“I wish to assure you that our recent disappointments have inspired me to re-dedicate myself to the cause of building a New Nigeria. For me, rescuing Nigeria is a lifelong commitment, and on this journey, we shall be resolute but orderly, principled but lawful.
“I assure you that we shall persist with even greater determination and zeal until we get to our destination. Nigeria must belong to all Nigerians and not to a select few.
“Like all of you, I believe fervently that a New Nigeria is POssible. God bless you all and God bless Nigeria. -PO”
