Atiku repeats boast an Igbo can’t be President without him
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
“I am the stepping stone to an Igbo presidency, vote for me and you will not regret doing so, I promise not to disappoint you,” Atiku Abubakar again boasted right in an assembly of the Igbo at the weekend, this time at a rally in Akwa.
Igbo leaders criticised him when he first voiced the idea publicly in Enugu two months ago, describing his arrogant comment as an insult to the collective sensibilities of Ndigbo.
“So, why do you say I will not give Igbos a fair chance to lead the country after my tenure as President?” Atiku said at a PDP South East stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu on 27 October.
“I did that in 2019 when I brought Obi and another Obi in 2011 and for 2023, I chose Ifeanyi Okowa, another Igbo man as my running mate, even when Ohaneze said no Igbo should contest for Presidency under PDP.”
He doubled down on it in Awka, saying: “My vision and mission as the President is to unite Nigeria, bring peace and provide adequate security for the people of Nigeria.
“I am the stepping stone to an Igbo presidency, vote for me and you will not regret doing so, I promise not to disappoint you.
“I will give every section its due right. Thank you for this wonderful reception, I never thought I would get such a reception in Anambra State.”
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PD) and his running mate Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa took their turns on the rostrum.
He was also accompanied by Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal and other PDP candidates and big wigs, including National chairman Iyorchia Ayu.
The PUNCH reports Atiku landed at the Ekwueme Square, Awka at about 2:10pm and held a meeting with Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
He proceeded to Government House, Awka to meet traditional rulers, led by the Obi of Onitsha and Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, Alfred Achebe.
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Atiku promises to unite Nigeria
Atiku promised to unite Nigerians by treating each zone equitably, and providing security for everyone, per reporting by The PUNCH.
He also promised to dredge the River Niger and make Onitsha a functional seaport. He stressed there cannot be development without security and peace.
Achebe explained traditional rulers are non-partisan and only support whosever wins office, as their job is to pray, direct, and control the affairs of their communities.
“Our desire is to have a President who will bring peace, unity and security to the country. We wish you the best,” he told Atiku.
Senator Ben Obi said Atiku picked Okowa because Ohanaeze had directed that no Igbo man from the South East should play second fiddle to anyone any more.
He argued Atiku has been friends with Ndigbo even as a Vice President and has now picked an Igbo man from Delta as a running mate.
“Atiku made it possible for Biafra soldiers to be properly and officially retired under the Obasanjo government. He picked me as a running mate and also picked Peter Obi as a running mate in 2019. He also married our daughter, he is part of us and he loves Igbo,” Obi said.
The rally was also used to campaign for PDP senatorial, House of Representatives, and state Assembly candidates.