Obi: If You Want Your Candidate To Be Presidential Candidate Not VP You Should Lobby Not Threat—Sani

‎In a recent statement via his official X account, former Nigerian senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to growing pressure from members of the Obidient Movement who insist that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, must emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress and not accept a vice-presidential slot.

‎Sani’s comment came amid intense online campaigns by Obi’s supporters.

‎Many of them have openly rejected any political arrangement that would make Obi a running mate, especially to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

‎”If you want your candidate to be the Presidential candidate and not a vice presidential candidate of your party,you should consult, reach out, persuade and lobby and not threaten your party members or other candidates. That is how politics is played. Threats provoke bitter reactions, animosity, fractures and revolt. You will always need their support when your candidate eventually emerge, then your earlier threats can be the hindrance,” he wrote.

‎In his reaction, Sani warned that politics cannot be driven by threats or intimidation.

‎He said that forcing party members or leaders to accept a particular position could damage internal unity.

‎According to him, such actions often create anger, resistance and long-term division within political parties.

‎The former lawmaker explained that achieving a presidential ticket requires wide consultation and negotiation.

‎He said persuasion, dialogue and lobbying are the proper tools in democratic politics.

‎He added that aggressive demands could backfire and weaken the chances of a candidate.

‎Sani noted that even if a preferred candidate eventually emerges, earlier threats may return to cause problems.

‎He said party members who feel pressured or disrespected may withhold support when it matters most.

‎According to him, no serious political ambition can succeed without cooperation and goodwill.

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