Founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT), High Chief Raymond Dokpesi has declared that the former Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will contest for the Presidency of the country in the next year, 2023 elections.
Dokpesi, who led Atiku Campaign Caretaker Committee on a visit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) Governorship Candidate in the Anambra 2021 election, Valentine Ozigbo at his country home in Amesi, Aguata Local Government of the state today, January 23 said that the visit was to inform the people of Anambra that the 2019 PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku “is once again aspiring to contest to become president in 2023.
“We have come to seek and solicit your support for the presidential aspiration of Waziri Atiku Abubakar and to assure you that Atiku Abubakar is in the best position to unify Nigeria and protect the interest of his in-laws (Ndigbo).”
Dokpesi said that Anambra missed out on having “the services of a dogged fighter” by failing to elect Valentine Ozigbo during the 2021 governorship election.
The AIT boss expressed profound appreciation for the great hospitality extended to them and the reception, which he described as “warm and exceptional.”
He said that if Atiku Abubakar is elected as president, he would ensure that the “South East’s interest is highly protected.”
He said that Atiku’s sincerity and devotion to the interest of Igbos was demonstrated earlier by his choice of former Anambra governor, Peter Gobi, as his running mate.
He called on Igbos to mobilise massively, join the PDP, and boost the party’s membership ahead of the 2023 elections.
In his response, Valentine Ozigbo thanked the Atiku Campaign Team for finding him worthy of the visit and expressed admiration for Dr. Dokpesi’s commitment to the party and Atiku in particular.
He said that he was encouraged by the consistency of Dokpesi for the PDP.
Ozigbo also commended Dokpesi for supporting Anambra State during the last governorship election.
Speaking on his perception about Atiku Abubakar, Ozigbo said that he looks out for character and competence in a leader and considers the former vice president as “eminently qualified to vie for the presidency of Nigeria.”
He said that nobody would doubt Atiku’s capacity to lead, “but there is a need to note the sensitivity around the clamour for power shift.”
On the issue of zoning and rotational presidency, Ozigbo described it as “sensitive” and called for “a high level of emotional intelligence” and “balance.”
He advised credible South-Eastern leaders to come together and agree on the direction after considering all factors.
