Major streets in Calabar, the Cross River state capital, witnessed a hours of gridlock on Monday October 3, 2022as supporters of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, took to the streets in a peaceful rally.
As early as 7 am, the supporters, who nicknamed themselves ‘Obidients,’ had converged at the popular Watt market roundabout from where they launched out into the major roads chanting, “Freedom has come finally, Youths should seize this God-sent opportunity and vote in Mr Peter Obi,: and so on.
Blueprint reporter observed that the elderly ones among them were also seen shouting, “Our time is fading out. We are doing this for your sake,” “Youths, you better wake and seize this chance and free yourself.”
The massive carnival-like crowd halted economic activities, free movement and caused motorists to divert to other routes.
In his comment, Ambassador Ogar Osim, Labour Party Chairman in the State, said they had estimated to parade only two-million man march in support of the Peter Obi’s candidacy and for LP to take over power at he centre but that’s the crowd far exceeded two million, five hundred thousand persons.
He said, “What we have seen today is beyond description. This is to send a message to other parties who seem to under-rate our strength not to brag any further.
“You can see that Nigerians are very tired of other parties that bastardise our collective gains and channeled them into selfish paths. You can see that Nigerians are now rooting for Labour Party and indeed Peter Obi.”
Also speaking, the state coordinator of Peter Obi Integrity Network for Transformation (POINT), Mr Ofem said his support group has over 5000 members and have all come from all parts of the state to join others in the march.
He assured that more than 90% of his members have PVCs, adding that that the massive number would certainly translate into votes in next year’s presidential election in favour of Mr Obi.