As the 2023 general election approaches, a group calling itself the Middle Belt Youth Development Organization has pledged to mobilize its seven million members to vote for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
During a press conference in Lafia on Sunday, the group’s President, Christopher Aba, stated that they were supporting the Peter Obi/Yusuf Datti ticket because they believe the duo has the ability to address the nation’s challenges.
He stated that the group, which has members from 15 states across the country, had agreed to hold a solidarity rally to educate voters about the importance of voting for the LP’s presidential candidate in 2023.
He mentioned 15 states, including Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The Middle Belt Youth Development Organization is not a political organization, and we do not engage in partisan politics,” he explained. We are a non-governmental organization whose mission is to work for Nigeria’s advancement. But we are all aware that our leaders have let us down. Every election season, they tell us lies and make false promises.
“As a result of the numerous challenges confronting the country at the moment, the organization’s executives met on October 1, 2022, and we decided to mobilize our seven million members to support and vote for Mr. Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti in 2023.”
“We decided to support them because, based on their track record, we know they are not corrupt, and we also know they have great leadership qualities that will propel Nigeria to greater heights if they are elected in the upcoming election.”
While praising Labour Party leaders across the country for their efforts to ensure Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti win in 2023, Aba chastised the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities for keeping students out of school for more than seven months.
“I must commend the Labour Party’s leadership for its efforts thus far.” They are doing an excellent job of convincing Nigerians of the importance of electing credible leaders in 2023. “However, I am disappointed that the federal government and ASUU have kept our students at home for over seven months with no action taken,” Christopher Aba added.
Meanwhile, Diaspora Strong for Peter Obi has conducted a medical outreach to the grassroots in an effort to sway as many voters as possible in favor of the LP candidate.
The event, held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lugbe, a Federal Capital Territory suburb, drew hundreds of people, many of whom do not have access to basic health care.
Desmond Ricosa, National Coordinator, Youth 4 Youth Volunteers Against Vote Buying, told reporters at the event that the outreach was intended to educate voters about the importance of their Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVCs.
“We are here to lend credibility to the fact that many things must change, and this medical outreach is one way to reach out to the grassroots.”
“With this outreach, the message is loud and clear: every citizen has the right to free healthcare, good roads, and clean water.” Who pays for all of this? Government!
“However, some powerful people are plotting ways to disenfranchise Nigerians, either by buying their voter registration cards or piling money to buy their votes.”
Ricosa told the beneficiaries that elections give them the opportunity to elect and hold accountable leaders of their choice.
“You can hold your leaders accountable, but the moment you sell your vote, you lose the right to make a proper choice,” he added, emphasizing that Obi’s personal character is the reason the group is willing to go the extra mile to sway voters in his favor.
“We looked at the candidates’ personalities, credentials, and content and agreed to work with Obi because we believe we can hold him accountable,” he said.
Mrs Josephine Enogela, a beneficiary who couldn’t hide her joy, said, “I am here to collect the medication.” I will vote for Obi and hope he wins.”
