2003 Race: Former Candidate Rallies for Obasanjo - Surprise, Surprise At
Abuja Declaration

P.M. News (Lagos)
April 20, 2002
Posted to the web April 25, 2002
Abuja

The announcement of the presence of Chief Olu Falae, (former presidential
candidate of AD/APP alliance during the 1999 presidential election) at the
International Conference Centre, Abuja, where President Olusegun Obasanjo
formally declared his intention to contest the 2003 presidential elections,
caused a stir as guests looked towards the direction of the former AD
stalwart to ascertain the truthfulness.

Another surprise appearance at the venue was Mr. Adams Oshiomhole,
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, who had constantly described
the policies of Obasanjo as anti-labour.

At an elaborate ceremony this morning at the centre, President Obasanjo
formally declared his candidature for the 2003 presidential elections,
ending speculations as to his participation in the elections.

Others present at the occasion are Chief Anthony Enahoro, Vice President
Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Anyim Pius Ayim, Chief Meredith Adisa
Akinloye, former Chairman of defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Chief
Richard Akinjide, Chief Solomon Lar, former Chairman of PDP who was also
the chairman of the occasion, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, NADECO chieftain,
Chief Tom Ikimi, State governors, ministers and PDP chieftains.

In his brief speech, Chief Lar urged Nigerians to give Obasanjo another
opportunity in 2003 to finish up the good works he started in 1999.

According to him, before Obasanjo came on board Nigeria was a pariah nation
as a result of the bad image which the military subjected it to.

"But now, after three years of the Obasanjo administration, the image of
the country has improved and it is now respected. Now, Nigerians can travel
to any part of the world without being subjected to any humilation", he
said.

Obasanjo, who had, in response to numerous calls on him to declare his
stand on the 2003 presidential elections, said he was waiting on God to
direct him, on Sunday formally sent a letter to his party PDP, intimating
it of his desire to re-contest the presidency under its platform. PDP
National Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, confirmed the receipt of the letter,
adding, however, that the party has not closed its door to other aspirants.




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