The Guardian (Nigeria)

Atiku Abubakar Woos Lagos PDP Delegates

• Charges Party Leaders To Restore National Unity

- By Gbenga Akinfenwa

FOLLOWING his recent declaratio­n to contest for presidency in 2023, the former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar, at the weekend, met with delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Lagos State to seek their support.

Amid cheers and chants of solidarity, he addressed the party faithful, including present and former Lagos State PDP chairmen, council chairmen, youth leaders, and members of the State Working Committee.

While reiteratin­g his promise of 40 per cent youth and women representa­tion in his cabinet, Abubakar expressed his desire to stop marginalis­ation of Nigerians.

Decrying the state of governance in the nation, he urged the party faithful in Lagos to make the right choice during the 2023 primary election by supporting the most experience­d and competent presidenti­al contender, with a proven track record of leadership, especially in the areas of security, the economy, and infrastruc­tural developmen­t.

Addressing the youths, Abubakar, who is the Waziri Adamawa, said: “Even during the Civil War, it was not this bad. Now, more than ever, we are so divided, because people across this country have been treated unfairly under the current administra­tion. This country has never seen the level of insecurity that we are facing today. I am here because I have the requisite experience to govern well, to give everyone a sense of belonging. I am here to appeal to your conscience; you have a historic responsibi­lity to bail out this country.”

The former Vice President, who presented letters of appeal to each delegate, counselled the youth leaders to seek the progress of the nation and shun aspirants offering to buy their votes. “If another aspirant gives you money, take it. But do the right thing for the sake of your own future,” Atiku stated.

In his opening remarks, the incumbent Lagos PDP Chairman, Mr. Philip Aivoji, welcomed the him and called on state delegates to ensure the party wins at levels during the forthcomin­g elections.

“I’m glad to receive our presidenti­al candidate. He remains our candidate until we have another congress. All council chairmen are here together as one body. In 2023, by God’s grace, PDP will win all elections, from presidenti­al, House of Representa­tives, and Senate to governorsh­ip and state assembly. In Lagos, everything will be won by the PDP,” Aivoji said.

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