Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu has described as political mischief those attacking any candidate for the position of president Peter Obi based on his ethnicity.
Newsonline reports that Moghalu described as unfortunate that political gladiators who are using ethnic factors in their own political calculus try to delegitimize valid and legitimate competitor by describing them as ethnic candidates.
Recall that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has been trolled by the supporters of other parties as Igbo president.
Moghalu said, “It’s unfortunate when political gladiators who are themselves using ethnic factors in their own political calculus try to delegitimize valid and legitimate competitors for the presidency by running some phantom “ethnic candidate” narrative.”
READ ALSO: 2023 Election: I Didn’t, Never Endorsed Tinubu – Fayose
He further advised that “No ethnicity is more valid than others. We all belong to and own Nigeria. Anyone running down any candidate for the Nigerian presidency on the grounds of ethnicity is engaging in political mischief. There are other, objective grounds on which ALL candidates should be assessed.”
“No candidate can win without a majority of votes and a spread of 25% in at least 24 of our 36 states.”
The former Anambra State governor has also been trolled with the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a secessionist group in the South-East, Peter Obi region.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, in an interview with Channels Television, made an indirect statement associating Peter Obi with IPOB activities.
Also, a social media influencer, Deji Adeyanju, on August 28, also made an indirect statement linking the Labour Party presidential candidate to IPOB.
Deji wrote, “I have always supported Igbo Presidency and will continue to do so while still speaking truth to every side. If I had one wish right now, it will be for Atiku to step down for Obi but it ain’t ever going to happen and Peter will come distant 3rd because of the very complicated.”
In an indirect reference of Peter Obi to IPOB, he said, “These are people that I have seen demanding for Biafra for 4yrs but all of a sudden, they are no longer even demanding for Kanu’s release. I’m happy about their new interest in Nigeria & the electoral process. No matter the outcome in February, they shouldn’t change the song.”
