‘You’re part of the old order,’ Peter Obi’s supporters knock Arthur Eze

Supporters of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, have berated Arthur Eze, Anambra billionaire, for asking him to step down from the presidential contest.

Eze had on Monday, said he warned Obi not to run for the highest political office in the country, noting he had told him he would not win, hence he would not support him.

The Anambra-born billionaire said this during the 2022 Ofala festival of His Royal Highness Igwe Robert Eze, the traditional ruler of Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area of the state.

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 in the north – he told me; but I was not convinced. I told him he cannot not win; so that he would not waste his time and money.”

Pointing at Governor Soludo, Eze, continued: “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.”

However, many have taken exception to the remarks, reminding Eze that he has only one vote and is entitled to his personal opinion.

A women’s group, Umuada Igbonine Home and Abroad, whose members were present at the occasion, expressed shock at Prince Eze’s comment, describing it as one made under an influence.

The group, which spoke to newsmen through one of its leaders, Dr (Mrs) Ndidiamaka Ojukwu, said 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 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.”

Also, a traditional ruler from one of the communities in Anambra Central Senatorial District, who would prefer not to be named, described Eze’s anti Obi comment as a very bad omen for the image of the business mogul, and the image of Igbo people.

“You see, this is why people say that Igbo people are not united or that Igbo people hate themselves. When prominent Nigerians from various tribes and religions are supporting Peter Obi and Labour Party, why should this man talk this way in the public about Obi.

“Anyway, he is entitled to his personal opinion. His opinion does not reflect the sensibilities of Dunukofia people – it is not the opinion of Anambra or Igbo people,” she posited.

“I warned Peter Obi to withdraw from this race but he would not listen. I told him plainly that I’m not part of his plans. I told him to drop his ambition…I told him he cannot win; so that he would not waste his time and money,” Eze said yesterday.

Also Diran Onifade, spokesperson for Peter Obi, described Eze’s comments as unfortunate but not unexpected.

Onifade who said this in a telephone interview with Vanguard, in Abuja, on Tuesday, noted that he was expressing his personal opinion on the subject.

“It is the influence of people like that that we want to take our politics away from,” he said.

“He is part of the establishment and structure that young Nigerians what to take our country back from.

“When we take power from the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, the likes of Arthur Eze will no longer wield the kind of influence they enjoy today.

“You don’t expect them to take this lying down. Our candidate and our campaign remain focused on the take ahead which is to take back our country, rebuild it to make it take its proper place in the comity of nations. “

Meanwhile, Obi’s supporters on social media, have also taken turns to criticize Eze over the remarks.

Francis Cardinal Arinze @C_FrancisArinze tweeted, “Mr Arthur Eze’s comment on Peter Obi is a clear sign that 2023 election will be a tussle between the poor and the rich, the youth and elders.

“If our Nigerian youths fail to take back their country in 2023, they will experience the worst suppression ever.

“GO AND GET YOUR PVC!”

Doctör Penking™ @drpenking wrote, “Arthur Eze has distanced himself from Peter Obi’s ambition just like Charles Soludo. It might seem odd but this gladdens my heart. It goes a long way to prove that Peter Obi is not an Igbo or Anambra project. He is a Nigerian project. Vote Peter Obi for a better Nigeria.”

Pastor Idowu Bankole @Olubankoleidowu added, “Arthur Eze is just one man; we the poor masses are in large numbers and many a time Peter Obi has reiterated that we are his structure. Whether Obi is getting support from Igbo brothers or not, we have resolved to stand by him and ensure the country is changed for the better.”