Atiku Meets with CUPP, Promises Government of National Unity if Elected

PDP hands over party’s flag to Lagos, Oyo, Ogun guber candidates

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Friday met with the leadership of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) where he promised to run a government of national unity if elected in 2019.

The CUPP, which comprise more than 45 major opposition parties had on Wednesday adopted Atiku as their presidential candidate.

The National Spokesperson of the Coalition, Ikenga Ugochinyere said that the decision was arrived at few hours after a closed door deliberation by members of the CUPP at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

He said, “Over 41 political parties in attendance endorsed the decision which enjoyed majority support. The coalition arrived at the choice of Abubakar after he towered high on the criteria used by the opposition in arriving at the decision.”

The meeting which started by 11a.m. yesterday at Trancorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, had Chairmen of over 43 political parties and over 15 Presidential Candidates in attendance.

Also in attendance were the Senate President and Director General of the Campaign Council, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Chairman of the CUPP, Prince Olagunsoye Onyinlola, Chief Tom Ikimi, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Senator Dino Melaye, former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, among others.

Speaking, Atiku described his endorsement by CUPP as historic endorsement, saying that it was historic because he believed it was the first time it would be done in this form.

According to him, “You have not taken a wrong decision because the PDP since we formed it in 1998, is a party that believes in national government, the participation of many Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliation.”

To this end, the former vice president said that he was committed to a government of national unity.

He stated, “We believe as a political party, in national unity and there must be stability before you can do anything, implement your economic programme, before you can implement your healthcare programme.”

Atiku said that the government of national unity should be essential, adding that when PDP won elections on its own, it brought in opposition parties.

He noted, “I want to commit myself to the continuation of the doctrine of government of national unity. We have a lot of work to do together, we should not go back and rest and say we have endorsed. We have to deliberately take certain actions to make sure that we achieve our objectives.