By Umaru Abdulai
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate in next month’s general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to prepare to handover to the PDP because of failure to keep most of its campaign promises to Nigerians.
Atiku and other speakers during the Niger State Presidential campaign flag-off at the Polo Field, Minna on Wednesday were unanimous in their resolve that Nigeria would be worse if the APC government was allowed to continue beyond this year.
“The over three years of APC government compounded the problems of Nigeria instead of improving same,” they argued, adding that Nigerians were able to have three square meals per day, security was better off than what it is today while many had their jobs intact, stressing that all have changed now as socio-economic hardship has sent many to their untimely graves.
The PDP Presidential candidate called on Nigerians to ‘‘say no to bad leadership that has caused so much pain and sufferings to Nigerians due to poor management of Nigeria’s economy, leading to job losses and increased poverty.’’
Atiku told thousands of supporters that President Buhari whom they had so much respect and confidence disappointed Nigerians as the administration is full of lies, selective injustices, failed promises and above all created divisions among Nigerians instead of uniting them.
According to him, “The time has come to revive our economy and create job opportunities. Come out enmasse so that we can put things back together. It is time for us to sack the APC government. Buhari must go, APC must go.
“Nigeria’s economy has not been so bad in its existence. Do you know that the roads, hospitals and schools you have today were built by the PDP led government since 1999 and the APC said we didn’t do anything. Now, ask them what they have done?
“There are more job losses in the country; over 10 million jobs had been lost. But we will ensure that our youths get employed. I promise on behalf of the PDP that if you vote for us, we will control the security situation in the country and I promise you all that Niger State will enjoy the dividends of democracy”.
Also, the Director General of the Atiku Campaign and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said that the PDP campaign was all about issues and referendum and not of character assassination, adding, “If APC as a party has performed, they can continue, but if otherwise, they must pack and go”.
The crowd however came alive when the former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, mounted the podium as they screamed, ‘Sai Talba, PDP all the way”, when he urged Nigerlites to come out enmass to vote out the APC.
The former governor said, “Today is the day we will decide the right candidate. Can we give Atiku over 80 percent votes? Go to your neighbors, door to door and tell everyone that by February they will all be free”.
Also, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said that it was only a vote for Atiku that would bring together Christians and Muslims together, unite the North, South, East, West and Middle-belt.
Former Presidential aspirant, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), said that Buhari has failed in the security of lives and properties and caused unemployment, adding that the economy of the country has collapsed with the exit of multinational companies.
Those in the entourage on the campaign include Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, former State Governors, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano, former Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, Aminu Turaki, Senator Philip Ajuda and 13 other Senators and Gen. Aminu Isa Kontagora,
The PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, said that the Buhari-led government was retaining the Inspector General of Police Idris Kpotum and the appointment of Amina Zakari as the Head of Collation Centre of the presidential election as a threat to democracy.
Secondus spoke through the Deputy National Chairman South-West, Mr. Yemi Adewumi.
He said, “The IGP and Amina Zakari must go, Buhari will not succeed. If he does not do what is right, we are going to report them to ECOWAS, African Union and the United Nations.”
