By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
A mammoth crowd showed up today, January 18 at the Ogun State rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The Ogun State government had denied the PDP access to the state’s stadium, forcing the party to use alternative venue.
The crowd filled the venue in a demonstration of the party’s strength in Ogun.
Recall that the PDP in Ogun State struck a deal with former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s political ally, Adekunle Akinlade, making him the deputy governorship candidate to Ladi Adebutu. The combined effort of the two camps is believed to be the reason for the strength of the PDP in the state.
At the Ogun State rally, Atiku said he would prioritise the exploration of the mineral resources in the state to provide jobs for residents.
“We have promised to devolve more powers to Ogun State and the local governments,” the septuagenarian politician told the crowd at the Ake Palace Ground in Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
“We have promised to make sure industrialisation of Ogun State because Ogun State is endowed with so many mineral resources in order to create jobs and prosperity. The PDP government will make sure the exploration of those mineral resources in the industrialisation of Ogun is made a priority,” he explained.
Atiku also said the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed Nigerians since it took over power in 2015 and should not be returned to office this year.
“The APC government has failed us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to not return them to power,” he said.
Atiku was at the rally with his wife, Titi; the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Governors Aminu Tambuwa (Sokoto) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Ademola Adeleke (Osun); PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, amongst other bigwigs.