2019: Obasanjo takes neutral position, asks Nigerians to ‘open’ their eyes

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday said he was not going to support any particular party or candidate in the coming 2019 general elections.

He however asked Nigerians to be wise and ensure they vote a party that would not add to the sufferings they are currently experiencing.

There have been insinuations that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, who was a former vice president to Obasanjo, had the former leader’s support.

Obasanjo’s statement is coming few days after national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, suggested that the former president may incur God’s wrath should he go ahead to support Atiku having allegedly earlier swore never to support his former vice.

Obasanjo, who spoke in Yoruba at the 27th annual Owu National Convention, held in Iwo, Osun State on Saturday, called on Nigerians to “open” their eyes and vote wisely for a candidate capable of returning the economy to a better state.

He said, “This is not a political gathering, but we can talk politics a little. Last year, we had this event in Ibadan. This year, we’re having it here in Iwo. Next year, we may go to Kwara because we also have Owu people in Kwara.

“Another election is near, open your eyes and vote wisely. Vote only the party that won’t add to your suffering. The economy must return to a better state. Look at parties that have governed this country and choose that one that will return Nigeria’s economy to a better state.

“I am not campaigning for any party or candidate and I won’t do that. But I urge you to open your eyes and vote wisely. Only credible leadership can guarantee good governance and that is what the country needs now.”

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Olowu of Kuta, who is the chairman of the Supreme Council of Owu Obas, Oba Hammed Oyelude, in his remarks at the event, urged the people of Owu to participate in politics in order to contribute more to the national development.

Oyelude, who said, Owu remains the largest Yoruba speaking ethnic group in the South-West region of the country, and that members of Royal Union of Owu People have been contributing to the development of the country, further called on the people to support and vote for Owu indigenes contesting for political offices among them.

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