Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar yesterday said he headed the best economic team for Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, adding that such prosperity will be returned to Nigeria in 2019.
“Nigeria is now the headquarters of poverty in the world. We shall return Nigeria to prosperity in 2019. When we get to government in 2019, we will continue to give you the best policies.”
Addressing thousands of PDP supporters at the opening of the South West PDP campaign held at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital ,Atiku said “One of the best policy for Nigeria is restructuring and we will do it when we get to government. Don’t believe APC lies again. Within 6 months, we will reposition Nigeria. Don’t sell your vote and don’t sell your PVC. Buhari must go.”
He enjoined Nigerians not to believe in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), again because of the failed promised they made in 2015.
Abubakar insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari must be defeated 2019 general election because he has failed his campaign promises while he lamented the high level of hunger in Nigeria.
Abubakar said, “Let me tell you that today, I said before you that within 6 months, we shall start the process of restructuring of this country. Ladies and gentlemen, I have lived here, so I am not a stranger.”
He said, “In the next two months, you will be required to choose your next president, please, take your decision carefully. The best democracy we enjoyed in Nigeria was under PDP. In 2015, APC promised 12 million jobs but today, we have not seen the jobs.
At the campaign were: National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, Atiku’s running mate, Peter Obi, former governors of Ekiti and Cross Rivers, Ayodele Fayose and Senator Lyel Imoke, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and governorship candidate of the party in Lagos and Oyo States, Jimi Agbaje and Seyi Makinde.
Others were: Senator Ademola Adeleke, the vice Chairman of the Party in the zone, Eddy Olafeso, former governor of Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Osun state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, publicity secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan and former Senate whip, Senator Hosea Agboola.
Secondus while speaking said that Buhari is not capable of ruling Nigeria again.
He said, “With what we have seen here today, it is sure that our people in the Southwest want change in government and Atiku is the only candidate who can rescue Nigeria at this time. Buhari is not fit to rule Nigeria again. By the grace of God, in February, we will stand to defend our votes and defeat Buhari. The hunger in the land is too much. There is hunger because Buhari is not aware of anything in government. His government has collapsed. This is the most corrupt government in the history of Nigeria. Where is our billions of dollars withdrawn from the NNPC account? Corruption has taken another dimension in Nigeria under Buhari. Poverty headquarters has relocated to Nigeria under Buhari. By the grace of God, Atiku is the next president of Nigeria”.
Saraki in his remarks noted that the ruling APC made some promises but could not fulfil them. He added that, “In 2015, APC promised security but could not do it. They promised to make food abundant but the price of rice is becoming higher daily. The only solution to our challenges is to vote Atiku as president.”
Obi while addressing the audience said Nigerians should elect Abubakar if they want development.
He maintained that, “If you wants job, vote for Atiku. If you want development, vote Atiku. Atiku is the only solution to challenges we are facing Nigeria today.” Fayose who said he was very sure that president Buhari won’t attend the presidential debate said PDP has won this election already.
He said, “The only product we are selling is Atiku. The only candidate that can defeat anybody at debate. I am sure Buhari won’t attend debate. But let me tell you that you have to defend your votes. By God grace, PDP will be announced winner next year elections.”
Daniel while speaking said “The 2019 election is family affairs. Atiku’s first wife is a Yoruba woman. He grew up and worked in Ibadan. With what we met here, it is obvious that our people have spoken that they will vote for PDP.”
Meanwhile, Transparency International (TI) has endorsed the presidential bid of former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili.
Peter Eigen, visioner and founder of the group, stated this during his visit to Ezekwesili who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) on Wednesday in Lagos. He hailed her pioneering work and pointed out that she possesses the right qualifications to govern the country.
Eigen noted that Ezekwesili has become a global voice on anti- corruption over the years and also fought and demanded for transparency during the military regime, her presidential campaign organisation, Hope 2019, said in a statement emailed to the media today.
The Transparency International boss recalled Ezekwesili’s role in the innovation of TI’s Corruption Perception Index and her becoming the organisation’s global voice, putting the work of the group on the word stage.
Speaking during the visit, Ezekwesili noted that one of the challenges confronting Nigeria remains transparent leadership, and described corruption as country’s most visible problem. She assured Nigerians that her party would ensure transparency in governance.
