Atiku flags off campaign, promises inclusive govt History won’t forgive us if we fail to change this govt – Jonathan
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar yesterday flagged off his Northwest campaign with a pledge to involve all Nigerians in decision making.
Addressing thousands of PDP supporters at the inauguration of Atiku/Obi Northwest zonal campaign in Sokoto, the former vice president also said Nigeria needs leaders who would involve all in government “not some individuals who only care for their personal interests and not the country.”
Atiku said his party had been fully revived in the overall interest of Nigerians,
debunking insinuations that PDP supporters in the northern states have reduced ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
“The Northwest has been the foundation and pillar of PDP where we have the people and support,” he said, describing the 2019 presidential election as a choice between forging ahead for the better and remaining in deficit governance.
“My presidential bid is to strengthen the capacity and independence of our teeming unemployed youths, women and the less privileged persons in the society by supporting their course for financial and economic independence through vibrant policies and programmes.”
While expressing optimism that he would clinch the number one seat in the country, Atiku said, “We have plan to involve all Nigerians in any decision making, most especially the masses that remain our priority in PDP.”
He also promised to help Nigerians make it if elected. “I was not rich but I struggled to be where I am today. I was a teacher, there’s no business venture I have not undertaken. I will help you make it,” the former VP said.
Atiku also promised to “unite and secure” Nigeria to attract more investors, and urged Nigerians to vote for him and protect their votes.
History we fail to Jonathan
won’t forgive us change this govt if –
Also speaking, former president Goodluck Jonathan said Nigerians are not happy because ‘there is no food to eat’ under the present administration, adding that PDP remains the number one party in Nigeria.
“We have seen the performance of PDP from Obasanjo, YarAdua and my administration – everyone could eat but today it is different,” Jonathan said.
He said Atiku Abubakar has the capacity to deal with the current challenges of hunger, unemployment and insecurity.
“For those of us that are adult, history will not forgive us if we fail to change this government; history will not forgive us if we fail to change this government,” Jonathan added.
Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal Governor said those peddling lies that there is no PDP in Sokoto or Northwest have been proven wrong.
While welcoming the PDP supporters from the zone and other parts of the country to the state, Tambuwal urged Nigerians to vote massively for all PDP candidates in their respective states to enable the party to deliver on its campaign promises.
“We are confident that our party’s candidate, structure and reputation will be the best for Nigeria and Nigerians and will surely deliver the necessary needs of our people. As such, we have to come out en masse in February 2019 to vote for PDP for the best Nigeria of our dreams,” Tambuwal said.
Similarly, the Director General, PDP/Atiku Campaign, Senate President Bukola Saraki described Atiku as “the man that can bring security” to the country.
PDP National chairman Chief Uche Secondus said PDP was on rescue mission to salvage Nigerian from the problems bedevilling the nation and tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on free and fair election.
Also speaking, chairman of PDP Board of Trustees Alhaji Walid Jibrin said the party was told northwest zone of the country was no go area for it.
“Today indicates that the statement was a deception,” he said.
Former presidential aspirant under the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi said he contested with Atiku but still supports him ‘because he has the capacity to rescue all of us’ adding that the former VP would ensure prosperity and progress for Nigerians.
Former Governor of Sokoto State and PDP stalwart Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa said: “We all now know that PDP is not dead. It is still alive and vibrant.” He said the PDP has the capacity to change the current situation in Nigeria.
Others who made remarks were former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Speaker of House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, former Minister of Special Duties Taminu Kabiru Turaki, former governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), among others. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose also attended the Sokoto rally.