The Opposition Coalition stated that at this moment, Nigeria needs the fatherly support of Obasanjo and his international allies.
Political parties in Nigeria under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have met with a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The coalition which was represented by the PDP House of Representatives' candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu (Ojeozi), met with Obasanjo in his residential home in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Ikeagwuonu, in a statement issued on Friday, praised Obasanjo for his peace-building interventions in Africa and pleaded with him to run in the Nigerian general elections next year to ensure that people's votes truly determine who would be president.
The statement reads in full: "Former President of NIGERIA, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday evening, after his return from Ethiopia and Congo, played host to the Spokesperson of Nigeria's Opposition coalition (CUPP) and PDP House of Representatives' candidate for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Barr.Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu (Ojeozi) in his Hilltop home in Abeokuta.
"The opposition spokesperson who arrived Abeokuta ahead of the scheduled meeting, after exchanging pleasantries with the former President went into closed door meeting that lasted close to an hour where a wide range of issues from credible election, state of the nation, peace building and stability of Nigeria and Africa, to the upcoming election were expansively discussed.
"Speaking to the media after the strategic meeting, the opposition spokesperson said the opposition family is pleased with Obasanjo's efforts and acts of statesmanship in Nigeria and Africa, and pleaded with the former President to intervene and ensure that Nigeria's 2023 election is credible and held in compliance with the law, in an atmosphere that is open, participatory, free and fair.
"The CUPP Spokesperson said he used the opportunity to appreciate and extend the commendation of the Opposition to Obasanjo's peace-building interventions in Africa especially in Ethiopia where the warring factions are about to resolve all issues that have led to many years of bloodletting and crisis.
"He added that Obasanjo's intervention is also needed more now at home where many pressing challenges have created tension, economic crisis and mutual distrust which have now become potential threats to peaceful election and transition.
"A situation that urgently calls for Obasanjo's prowess in international advocacy before it is too late. Ikenga praised Obasanjo during the visit for the strong institutions and sectors he built during his reign from telecom, to road infrastructure, anti-corruption institution and due process, most of which are now being abused with just a few still standing and holding back Nigeria from total collapse.
"The opposition coalition spokesperson, Ikenga, conveyed the message of the opposition pleading for Obasanjo's fatherly intervention as an international statesman, to step out and actively get involved in using his respected global reach and advocacy to ensure Nigeria's democracy and upcoming election are conducted in an atmosphere of free, fair and participatory election where the electoral rules are obeyed.
"The Opposition Coalition stated that at this moment, Nigeria needs the fatherly support of Obasanjo and his international allies to ensure that Nigeria is not undermined and elections are credibly conducted without intimidation or interference of the opposition parties, or clampdown, manipulation or intimidation of electoral institutions in any way.
"Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere conveyed the goodwill message of good health and prayers of longevity to the former president and urged him not to depart from his lifelong ambitions of seeing Nigeria succeed and democracy fully established in Nigeria and Africa.
"The former President who was beaming with smiles while escorting the opposition chieftain out, appreciated the visit and discussion and wished the opposition delegation, a safe journey back," the statement added.