Convener of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, has endorsed Peter Obi of the Labour Party for president ahead of the 2023 general elections, a move that could force out political visibility for the South-South region.

The Ijaw national leader announced at a media briefing in his Abuja residence on Tuesday, urging Nigerians of all tribes, ethnic groups and political affiliations to vote for Mr Obi in this year’s presidential election. 

“…I am convinced beyond doubt that our country Nigeria has a great opportunity to elect a phenomenal team, the candidate of the Labour Party, and his deputy, senator Datti Baba-Ahmad, as president and vice president respectively,” he said. 

“I formally hereby announce that I will, therefore, personally, vote for HE Peter Obi and his vice presidential candidate on election day, Febuary 25th, 2023, as president and vice-president of the federal republic of Nigeria.

“I also call on all well-meaning Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious and even political backgrounds to vote for H.E. Peter Obi without hesitation, as he is our best hope of a new Nigeria of peace, stability and progress,” he added. 

Mr Clark also disclosed that he has tasked members of his organisation nationwide to mobilise at state and grassroots levels for Mr Obi’s support. 

“I have also requested the leadership of PANDEF, as a democratic institution and all other socio-cultural and socio-political bodies which I head to consult with their members at the levels of the states, local governments and diaspora to take further steps in supporting my choice of H.E Peter Obi,” he added.