In this interview, Engr Clement Ede Agege FNSChE FNSE, the Convener ‘Engineers For Peter Obi 2023’ rates the chances of the Labour Party presidential candidates at the forthcoming polls.
Q1. What progress is the group you convene, ‘Engineers for Peter Obi’ about?
A1: Our membership strength shot up to 375 members of the Engineering family. The desire by our chosen candidate Mr Peter Obi to turn the Nigerian economy from Consumption to Production economy – which can only be effected efficiently with input of the Nigerian Engineers has been the major attraction.
Q2. What do you honestly think are his chances to beat Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP?
A2. The Nigerian economy today has become a consumption economy with little production activities. The single major reason why our dependence on the mono product crude oil export to earn foreign exchange and complete reliance on import has serious distortion on value of the Naira. Mr Peter Obi if elected President has promised to hit the ground running on changing the narrative that will create jobs, products for export earnings and increased industrial activities. His chances are brighter having shown the capacity and competence to turn around the disasters the other two major candidates had helped develop in the past eight years.
Q3. Do you forsee an outright win for any of the candidates or a presidential run-off?
A3. Yes. Mr Peter Obi will win at the first ballot. He has the acceptance to win majority votes in more than twenty six states including Abuja. From reports we have gathered during our mobilization, it’s obvious Mr Peter Obi is set to defeat the other two seemingly popular candidates.
Q4. What can you point to as the gaps in Peter Obi’s campaign?
A4. The visible gaps are those of some elder population who seem to resist the new order at the expense of equity and justice. Otherwise, the higher population youth card carrying voters are set to take back their country.
Q5. Peter Obi has led in nearly all the polls conducted so far due to his surging popularity, but polls don’t win elections. What is his best path to victory?
A5. Nigerian voters more than ever before are swearing to take thier country back. It cannot be as usual anymore as they are waiting for February 25 to make the statement.
Q6. In which states do you think Peter Obi will score more than 25% of the total votes cast?
A6. Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, Niger, Nassarawa, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Q7. Labour Party does not have enough agents registered with INEC in all the polling units nationwide. Wouldn’t that be a huge disadvantage?
A7. 2023 Presidential election will not be about Parties. It will be about electing Mr Peter Obi, as it appears everyone is tired of the old order. The OBIdient movement as a huge following will not be affected by lack of registered agents in polling units as they are more than ready to vote and protect thier votes for Mr Peter Obi.
Q8. Labour Party also has few candidates vying for positions in the state houses of assembly and the national assembly. Will that also not be a disadvantage?
A8. Mr Peter Obi running for the Presidency has changed the old era. They have found a capable, competent and qualified man to take charge and responsibility for leadership. OBIdient is about a leadership revolution whose time is now.
Q9. Mention three priority areas that he should focus on if Peter Obi wins.
A9. Production in all forms-Economic policy reforms with power sector , Education, Agriculture.
Q10. How would you rate the threat level to general elections arising from security challenges in someone parts of the country; shortage of new notes, use of BVAS, and inability by some Nigerians to collect their PVCs?
A10. Security challenges, shortage of new Naira notes, use of BVAS and some Nigerians inability to collect thier voter’s card are clearer indication of failure of the old order that has increased the chances of Mr Peter Obi winning with high margins to be elected President of Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Police and other security agencies have assured thier readiness to take charge of situation.
