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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Anambra-born billionaire businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, has dissociated himself from the presidential ambition of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s flagbearer.
Eze made his position known at the 2022 Ofala festival organised by Igwe (Dr.) Robert Eze, the traditional ruler of Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, over the weekend.
He said:“I warned Peter Obi to withdraw from this race but he would not listen. I told him plainly that I am not part of his plans. I told him to drop his ambition and wait for next time.
“When he told me about his ambition, I asked him the states he thinks he can win in the West and North. He told me, but I was not convinced. I told him he cannot win, so that he would not waste his time and money,” he said.
While pointing at Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, Eze said: “This is the person we are tipping to take over as Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in the time to come. We have a presidential candidate that we are supporting now. After his tenure, he will hand over to Soludo as president.”
Meanwhile, a women’s group, Umuada Igbonine Home and Abroad, whose members were present at the occasion, expressed shock at Eze’s comment, describing it as one made under an influence.
While speaking to news men, one of the leaders of the group, Dr (Mrs) Ndidiamaka Ojukwu, stated that she was surprised that Eze would make such a remark concerning Obi.
“Prince Arthur Eze that I used to know does not speak carelessly. Though, one is not surprised because his younger brother is in the race, under another party’s platform. If he would support another party, his brother will be affected negatively. I believe, and believe strongly that Anambra, Igbo and well meaning Nigerians, irrespective of state of origin or religion, will support Peter Obi to the fullest,” she said.
