As the race for the presidency gathers steam in the Nigerian political scene, renowned political analyst, and veteran broadcaster, Dr. Reuben Abati has come out to react to a recent statement made by Labour Party (LP) flag bearer, Peter Obi, concerning his much-anticipated campaign manifesto.
Recall that while addressing the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Lagos on Monday, November 21, 2022, Obi insisted that did not need a campaign manifesto to deliver on the promise he is making to the masses on turning their fortunes around if elected on the ballots in 2023. He went on to say that Nigerians can hold him accountable for any failed promise because he will take charge of running Nigeria’s affairs right from day one.
Reacting to Obi’s remarks during a session of ARISE TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, Dr. Abati pointed out that while it is true that the former Anambra governor’s speech to the Nigerian Guild of Editors was indeed a ‘masterclass’ in the art of leadership, many people, however, will not agree that he does not need a manifesto to deliver on his promises. According to Dr. Abati, a campaign manifesto will go a long way in not only showing Nigerians what Obi wants to do if elected but also how he intends to do those things. Going further, the renowned political analyst pointed out that since the Labour Party candidate has urged Nigerians to hold him to his word, then it is very important to have those words written in a campaign manifesto.
He said; “Now, yes, it is true that he said he does not need a manifesto, well, many people will not agree with him. Because when you have a manifesto, It is like defining your road map. It’s like defining your contract with the Nigerian people. It is like saying this is what I want to do. And for a man who says he should be held responsible, or that for whatever he does, he should be held accountable, then it is probably a good idea to put everything down in black and white.”
You can watch Dr. Reuben Abati’s analysis on ARIS TV below: