On the face of it, Obi, 57, fits the mould of a prominent Nigerian politician, with interests in banking, brewing and the stock market. But Atiku Abubakar's choice of Peter Obi has been viewed as a canny move to cement political power in the marginalised southeast and also to snuff out secessionist sentiment. FORMER GOVERNORObi's reputation at the same time gives the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party an anti-corruption champion to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari. Should they heed Kanu's call for non-cooperation and risk a win for Buhari and his All Progressives Congress or vote in an Igbo politician to high office? Nigerian newspaper columnist Muyiwa Adetiba said that as state governor, Obi forged a reputation for managing state funds carefully.

Source: Daily Nation February 09, 2019 11:47 UTC