In a tribute to commemorate the death of Umaru Yar'Adua who died on May 5th, 2010 while in office, the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi described himself as a replica of the late President in his style of politics and governance.
While praising the late Yar'Adua on his Twitter handle on Saturday, the former Anambra State governor said the late President was a true democrat and detribalised leader who understood that true governance and societal development are non-tribal, non-religious, and non-partisan.
Obi said the late President desired to reposition Nigeria based on unity, peace, and progress as he was a leader who believed in true governance, transparency and accountability.
The tweet reads, “President Umaru Yar'Adua was a true democrat, a detribalised leader, who desired to reposition the nation based on unity, peace and progress. He was a leader, who believed in true governance, transparency and accountability.
“He was also an embodiment of patriotism and exemplified excellence in public service.
He was equally a man who understood that true governance and societal development are non-tribal, non-religious and non-partisan - and this I have always maintained.
“Nigerians will always remember him for good. It has been 13 years since he departed this world, but the good legacies he built in the nation live on forever. Rest on Sir!†the statement concludes.
Obi’s assertion and self-appraisal came a few hours after the ‘President-elect’, Bola Timubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledged to follow in the footsteps of the former President.
Tinubu pledged on Friday on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of Yar'Adua's death.
Yar’Adua was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2007. He previously served as the governor of Katsina State from 1999 to 2007.
In 2009, he travelled overseas for a series of medical treatments but died on May 5, 2010, paving the way for Goodluck Jonathan, his deputy, to become president.
In a tribute to the late former President, Tinubu described him as a good friend that would never be forgotten.
Tinubu in his tribute titled “We’ll Never Forget You†hailed Yar’Adua’s contribution to Nigeria’s democracy.
Meanwhile, Obi recently admitted to having a private phone conversation with the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo before the 2023 general elections, in which he could be heard describing the 2023 presidential election as a ‘religious war’.
Obi admitted this recently while featuring in Arise News' exclusive interview. He, however, denied tagging the recently concluded presidential election as a ‘religious war.’