Peter Obi emerges Labour Party presidential candidate, Pat Utomi steps down

Peter Obi

Former governor of Anambra State Peter Obi has emerged as the presidential candidate of Labour Party.

Mr Obi emerged the party’s presidential candidate just days after joining the party following his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Several candidates, including Prof Pat Utomi, stepped down for Obi at the primary held in Asaba, Delta State.

Utomi, a professor of political economy, said Obi is a younger aspirant with the capacity to effect the needed change in Nigeria.

Obi announced his departure from the PDP on May 25.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was elected the PDP’s presidential candidate on Saturday.

Director-general of Obi Campaign Organisation Doyin Okupe tweeted on Monday that the only female presidential aspirant in Labour Party Olushola Emmanuel-Tella had insisted she would not step down for Obi.

“Three other aspirants including Prof Pat Utomi withdrew for Peter Obi. However voting commenced because the 4th aspirant Mrs olushola emmanuel-tella stood her grounds as a contestant,” he wrote.

Moments later, Okupe tweeted again, “However, at about 3.45pm midway into d state by state voting process,  d lady& only aspirant withdrew &stepped down for Peter Obi. Peter Obi is therefore elected as the Presidential Candidate of labour Party 4 d 2023 elections.”