Victor Ezeja
While the celebration of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary was going on in various state government headquarters across the Federation and Abuja, thousands of people trooped out in different cities to hold a mega rally in in support of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed Datti.
The rally was held in different cities with thousands of supporters identified as ‘Obi-dients’ marching on the streets holding Labour Party flags and posters of Obi and his running mate. Some wore vests branded with Obi and Datti photos, a sign of their support for the duo.
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In Lagos, the rally tagged ‘4-million-man March for Obi-Datti was held in three main locations, Lekki axis, FESTAC, and Ikeja.
The rally which suffered initial setback with a court ruling earlier in the week which ordered that the Obi supporters should march through the Lekki Tollgate but not converging around the area, later went on successfully. The Obi-dients marched from National Stadium, Surulere through Ikorodu road and ended the rally at Maryland. At Lekki, it was gathered that the supporters marched in solidarity while officers from the Lagos State Police command were at strategic positions to ensure compliance with the order and also security.
Notable celebrities like Mr Charles Oputa also known as Charly Boy, P-Square participated in the 5-million man solidarity rally in Lagos.
Oputa was quoted as saying that the rally was to awaken the consciousness of Nigerians especially the youths to see the need to be actively involved in the leadership recruitment process in the country.
Charly Boy who is a staunch supporter of Peter candidacy had earlier boasted of staging the biggest rally for the LP presidential candidate.
Videos and pictures of the rally in other parts of the country trended on social media. Other places where the solidarity rally held include, Warri in Delta, Bauchi, Uyo in Akwa Ibom, Osogbo, Benin city, Aba in Abia State, Kaduna, London, New York, etc.
In all, the supporters who displayed various kinds of banner, sang songs demonstrating their support for the LP presidential candidate and his running mate, Daati.
Obi Supporters in London
A video that went viral showed Obi’s supporters marching in London chanting “give us Obi.” They reportedly converged at the Nigeria High Commission in London.
Many observers expressed surprise at such mass turn out of people in different parts of the country to express their support for Obi, while shunning the important national day celebration organised by various state governments at designated public places.
Commenting on the rally, one Okey Azubike said such rally was unprecedented and that the Obi Movement deserves some credit for having such a large number of Nigerians come out and display their solidarity for him and the party on a national day.
“We must give this Obi movement some credit.
“Today is independence day, and Nigerians gathered all over the country for one man. He deserves some credit.
“No other candidate got people anywhere over a thousand to celebrate them.
“This is a huge statement made in his favour,” @OkeyAzubike wrote on Twitter
The messages of the LP presidential candidate seem to be resonating with many Nigerians who want a change in the system of leadership of the country, hence the wide popularity that he has gained in recent times.
Many are lamenting about rising unemployment, inflation rate, insecurity, among other challenges facing the ordinary citizens.
Obi in a video message posted on his official Twitter handle @PeterObi on Saturday night, wished all Nigerians Happy Independence celebration, saying “Let’s all remain prayerful and hopeful for a better Nigeria.”
He thanked the Obi-dients for coming out to demonstrate their support for him, adding that the gesture shows how united Nigerians especially the youths are in their resolve to have a new country.
“Today will go down in history as a day Nigerians spoke with one united voice; the message is clear and simple – A NEW NIGERIA IS POSSIBLE!
“OBIdients made a bold statement with generally very peaceful rallies. The very young, and old men and women in their millions marched in solidarity and in support of our collective vision of a New Nigeria. I salute Nigerian Youths. I thank you all most sincerely, for your passion, resolve and resiliency. You have shown the world that Nigeria is ready for change, and that the majority are ready to lead the way,” he further tweeted.
Obi had earlier in his Obtober 1 message stated that due to rising challenges in the country, caused by misgovernance the citizens are tired and wants a new system, adding that the upcoming 2023 general election, offers a ray of hope to the people for a new Nigeria if things are done correctly in terms of having a free, fair and credible polls.
READ ALSO: Nigeria At 62 Bogged With Governance Failure, Citizens Seek Effective Leadership, Says Obi
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
