Nigerians appear divided over the presidential bid of former World Bank Vice President for Africa, Obiageli Ezekwesili.
The former Nigerian minister announced her bid for President in Nigeria on Sunday. Ezekwesili is also the co-founder of a group that raised awareness about the kidnapping of over 200 girls by Boko Haram in 2014.
She said in the statement that “I want to run for, and win, the 2019 presidential election to serve and put the citizens first by mobilizing and taking decisive actions on a number of big ideas that will help all of us build an exceptional nation”.
“Governance keeps worsening. So we the citizens have decided to get into the political arena to make things right,” Ezekwesili said.
The 55 year old is not running on the ticket of any party. She will be unable to run on the ticket of the two biggest parties, the ruling APC and opposition PDP.
The alternative?
On Monday she wrote on her twitter page that “We are not stuck with #APCPDP. We have THE ALTERNATIVE. #Hope2019”
We are not stuck with #APCPDP. We have THE ALTERNATIVE. #Hope2019 #Oby4President #IComeWithHope pic.twitter.com/BgfaXyldNv
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) October 8, 2018
Ezekwesili served in Nigeria’s government between 2000 and 2007, as minerals minister and later education minister.
She becomes the first prominent female Nigerian presidential hopeful. Ezekwesili will now be challenging the ruling party’s candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari.
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar is also a leading contender running on the ticket of the opposition PDP.
Reactions from Nigerians
There have been reactions from Nigerians to Ezekwesili’s bid. Some support her while others do not think she has a chance.
No matter how unlikely the win is, I rather support @obyezeks for president than anyone else.
— Mark Essien (@markessien) October 7, 2018
Nigerians let’s take a break from the norm, let our generation make a history by making the first female president for Africa’s most populous Nation
— Kass Official (@Kassanopha) October 8, 2018
Ma, I would have humbly suggested you vie for the Senate either. Your voice and that of others like minds are needed on the floor to push for reforms and people oriented bills… gradually you build the structures and then you can go for the big thing.
— Tunde Tifase (@TundeTifase) October 8, 2018
Mama, you are part of that 16years of looting, disorganised and unregulated governance in Nigeria. 1999 till date, you still mislead and is an active part of vindictive criticism of the Nigeria polity. Mama, pls join ur cliques to step aside.. you are NOT NEEDED!
— Femi anjorin (@cappyadisa) October 8, 2018
All these red card movement/bbog is just a platform for you to launch your presidential bid. Mama, you got this one wrong.
— Ugo Kingsley (@Ugoking) October 8, 2018
So you call yourself The Alternative ?? Unfortunately, the main is always best than the alternative. #mystand
— OLOOPO, Adeniyi Jonathan (@MrOllops) October 8, 2018
Madam Oby,
I love your move and would like to vote for you but your campaign has to get to the grass root and MA, you need to learn to communicate in simple language that the masses who have the vote can understand.
God bless you and help you succeed.— Truth be told (@Truthbe45219662) October 8, 2018
Ma, you are credible and indeed a worthy Presidential candidate. However, you came into the race too late to build a national structure capable of challenging the status quo. Please find a worthy candidate and lend your support. Prepare for 2023
— Albert (@Albert_Achase) October 8, 2018
Major shake up, it is welcomed. But with various better alternatives than the current govt & past one, votes will be splitted thereby reducing the amount of votes to you all, yet leaving APC to come out victorious. My personal thoughts though!
— Allos Parakletus (@miitmii) October 8, 2018
Nigerians will be going to the poll to elect a new president in February 2019.
Source: Africafeeds.com
