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Tag: Alh. Atiku Abubakar

  • Atiku not in same democratic league with Abiola, Ekwueme – BMO

    The 2019 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has been described as not in the same democratic league with the late Chief Moshood Abiola and Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that it was “evil for anyone to make such comparison’’.

    The statement was signed by BMO’s Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke.

    The group said the comparison that Atiku media handlers are trying to sell to Nigerians was totally off the mark.

    “Facts on the ground do not support this position they made in response to Federal Government’s allusion to Atiku as a threat to the nation’s democracy,’’ the group said.

    BMO said it was another attempt by Atiku media handlers to rewrite history in order to paint Atiku in good light.

    “Anyone that is saddled with the task of painting a good picture of a serially tainted politician would throw words around and hope that no one would notice the fallacies,’’ it said.

    The statement said Atiku’s political antecedents cannot be associated with that of a democrat.

    Read also: Atiku, PDP are plotting to subvert government – Lai Mohammed

    “Here is a man that is willing to move and has actually moved three times between two different ruling parties and the opposition after failing to have his way.

    “None of the people his media men have name-checked in their recent statement has had to change parties to satisfy a selfish desire.

    “Both men were known to have suffered perceived injustices in their political journey, but like true democrats, they stayed back to help build their respective political parties,’’ the statement said.

    It said Atiku was a desperate politician that was known to have threatened violence at a forum in Abuja, shortly after he lost PDP Presidential ticket in a bitter contest to then President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “Before then, there was an unprecedented intra-party acrimony that was so characterised by mudslinging that the then opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) had to issue a statement calling for peace in the ranks of the ruling PDP.

    “These facts are very much in the public domain, so it is preposterous that the Atiku camp is seeking to feed Nigerians with a red herring,” the group said.

    BMO also wondered why the former vice president and his media handlers would seek to rubbish history with false narratives on the actual role he played in the dying days of military rule.

    “His media aides want Nigerians to believe that he joined forces with MKO Abiola and Ekwueme to fight the then Abacha dictatorship, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

    “Nigerians would recall that Atiku Abubakar was a ranking member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on whose platform Abiola ran for the Presidency on June 12, 1993.

    “Since he lost out in his bid to be the running mate to Abiola, he clearly went off the political radar and was not even known to play a major role in the electioneering campaigns,’’ the group said.

    The statement noted that there was also no record of his participation in efforts spearheaded by activists to force the military government to respect the wish of the people.

    It added that even when Ekwueme took up the gauntlet to lead the political opposition against the late General Abacha, Atiku was never part of the politicians in the forefront of that initiative.

    The group maintained that the only time Atiku and Ekwueme could be mentioned in the same sentence is when a list of the country’s former Vice Presidents is drawn.

    “Yes both of them were Vice Presidents at different times, but Nigerians know that while one is the epitome of loyalty and had been acknowledged by his principal, the other had on several occasions been described in uncomplimentary terms by his own,” it said. (NAN)

  • Atiku, Obasanjo meet in Abeokuta

    The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Atiku Abubakar was in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Thursday for a private meeting with his former boss, Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Atiku who arrived Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, around 1:00 pm, observed his prayer at the mosque within the sprawling OOPL facility, had lunch later with his host and left quietly, a source close to the Ebora Owu, told The Nation.

    Read also: Obasanjo to Makinde: Don’t pocket Oyo state govt.

    It was not clear what the former Vice – President discussed with Obasanjo during his short visit, but there were  insinuations that both might have deliberated on the last Presidential election which Atiku contested on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “I can confirm that Atiku visited Baba Obasanjo today around 1: pm. It was purely private visit. He came, observed his prayer, had lunch with Baba and left. The visit was brief. There was nothing else done,” the source said.

     

  • Accept defeat, ex-Governor Umar tells Atiku

    A former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa  Umar on Thursday asked the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Atiku Abubakar to accept defeat.

    He also urged Atiku to shelve plans to go to Presidential Election Tribunal.

    He, however, pleaded with Buhari to reunite the nation and avoid hounding the opposition leaders.

    He tasked the President to check his overzealous supporters from heating up the polity

    Abubakar, who made the appeal in a statement in Abuja, said Abubakar has an obligation to tread cautiously in the interest of the nation

    The statement said: “No one in good conscience ever thought an exercise as gigantic as conducting a Presidential election in a country as vast as Nigeria, would go without hitches and setbacks. And in spite of the generally positive comments by observers, last Saturday’s exercise did not.

    “It goes without saying that the outcome of an imperfect exercise cannot but remain imperfect itself – a fair illustration of the dictum; garbage in garbage out. In the circumstances, we are obliged to look with sympathy at the decision by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar not to concede defeat but to mount a legal challenge against the result of the Presidential election that held on the 23rd of February, 2019; result that gave victory to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress. And yet, regardless of the way he feels about it, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has an obligation to tread cautiously, taking into account the impact any action he or other leaders take will have on the gravely tense political and security conditions prevailing in Nigeria today.  “As we are well aware, elections and electioneering campaigns in Nigeria as in much of Africa, have almost always proved to be deadly triggers for strife, apprehension, disputes and other forms of conflict, often leading to violence and bloodshed.

    “The longer and the more protracted the process, the heavier the toll. Sadly, Nigeria has suffered terribly from these calamities in the course of this bitterly contested election exercise.”

    Umar said Abubakar’s refusal to concede defeat may seriously detract from the high pedestal that he deserves in Nigeria’s political establishment.

    The statement added: “Atiku Abubakar and his party ran an admirably strong and sophisticated campaign. He should be justly proud of his achievements. He had established his credentials as a powerful and worthy alternative presidential material now and in the years to come.

    “Unfortunately, his decision not to accept the outcome of this election or conceded victory to his opponent may seriously detract from the high pedestal that he deserves in Nigeria’s political establishment. In the interest of peace and our democracy, I as one of his admirers, advise that he reconsiders that decision.”

    But Umar urged President Buhari to reunite the nation and run an inclusive government.

    The statement said: “While at this, we hasten to remind the declared winner that he does not have all that much time to redeem his pledges of being a leader and unifier of all Nigerians. The public had welcomed with cautious optimism the promises he made in his acceptance speech to run an inclusive government.

    “To become a leader of all Nigerians requires that he ignores the voting pattern that brought him to power and consider the country as one large family.

    “Agitations over marginalization, particularly in appointments to key government and public offices mounted by groups including Ohaneze Ndigbo, PANDEP, Middle-belt Forum, Northern Elders Forum, and all those well-meaning citizens must be addressed and redressed.

    “Opposition politicians must not be treated as enemies, haunted or destroyed.

    “A meticulous adherence to the rule of law must be observed. History beckons on President Muhammadu Buhari to take a giant leap forward and re-invent himself.

    “Within his grasp lies the chance to transform into a statesman and become the real father of the nation. Finally, he must discourage and disavow the antics of his overzealous supporters whose excessive and provocative triumphal display can only overheat and further polarize the polity.”

  • We’ve better campaign timetable- APC replies Atiku

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), says it has better campaign timetable for forthcoming election than any other political party.

    Mr Alex Kalejaiye, the APC Publicity Secretary in Ondo state said this on Tuesday in a statement.

    Kalejaiye was reacting to a statement credited to presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar that the APC presidential candidate is not campaigning because his party planned to rig the election.

    “The APC views the statement as an indication that the PDP and its flag bearer are insincere, confused and are at their wits end. It was a defeatist dripping.

    “Political observers and generality of Nigerians are well aware that President Muhammadu Buhari did launched his campaign in Akwa-Ibom State; and later pulled an unprecedented crowd when he stormed Bauchi.

    Read also: Atiku promises youths 40 percent appointment in his cabinet

    “He is being expected in Delta State, in continuation of his structured campaign.

    “For benefit of doubt, the APC Presidential Campaign Council has rolled out itineraries of how the party’s campaign in various states will hold.

    “It is imperative to remind them that the APC is not an appendage of any party; it is well-organised with coherent plans and programmes to guide its activities.

    “The APC has a well-thought out itinerary for its campaign, and will follow duly the time-table, irrespective of what any sinking party feels or says,” he said.

    According to him, Nigerians should take stock of projects so far embarked upon by the administration, aimed at ameliorating and neutralising the woes imposed on the country by the past administrations in 16 years.

    He added that APC desired to see Nigeria where the citizens are well secured with surplus of food.

    “Also our desire in APC will pave the way for export where there is stability on the political and economic scene, coupled with an improved ease of doing business and these will naturally pull investors in their numbers. A country of next level of prosperity for all,”he said.(NAN)

  • 2019: You’re next President of Nigeria, Obasanjo tells Atiku

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday forgave his former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Atiku Abubakar, of any wrong doing and declared him the nation’s next President in 2019.

    Obasanjo who addressed Atiku as ” President – to- be” and congratulated him in advance,  added that he and others have  reviewed what went wrong on the side of Atiku and submitted that  the PDP Presidential candidate  has “re-discovered and re-positioned himself.”

    Read Also:Atiku, Secondus meet Obasanjo in Abeokuta

    The Ebora Owu made this known in his address at his residence within the sprawling Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) when Atiku and his entourage comprising the PDP National Chairman, Uche Second us, former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke,  Director – General, Atiku Campaign Organisation (ACO), Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Father Matthew Kukah and renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Gunmi.

    Atiku’s visit is coming about 48 hours after an elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, led a delegation of Afenifere leaders to the Ebora Owu, where the spokesman of the Socio – cultural organisation, Yinka Odunmakin hinted that the Yoruba race in Nigeria would support a presidential candidate with an agenda to restructure the nation’s flawed federation.

    So far, former Vice – President Atiku had continued to promise Nigerians that he would restructure the country within his first year in office if given the mandate to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.

    And Obasanjo’s voice is also considered very critical to the electoral fortune of any politician and it is generally believed that whoever earned his endorsement stand a better chance of getting national acceptance, and hitherto, the former President has been unsparing in portraying Atiku as undeserving of the office of Nigerian President.

    But after Thursday’s meeting Obasanjo’s position on Atiku changed, tilting towards helping him to win the 2019 presidential race against the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress(APC).

    “I am happy to welcome the distinguished leaders of goodwill who have led the PDP Presidential Candidate and my former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, to my humble abode and I welcome the Presidential Candidate himself.

    “Let me start by congratulating President-to-be, Atiku Abubakar, for his success at the recent PDP Primary and I took note of his gracious remarks in his acceptance speech that it all started here. Yes, when it started, it was meant for Atiku to succeed Obasanjo.

    “In the presence of these distinguished leaders of goodwill today, let me say it openly that we have reviewed what went wrong on the side of Atiku.  And in all honesty, my former Vice-President has re-discovered and re-positioned himself.

    “As I have repeatedly said, it is not so much what you did against me that was the issue but what you did against the Party, the Government and the country.

    “I took the stand I had taken based on the character and attributes you exhibited in the position you found yourself.  I strongly believe that I was right. It was in the overall interest of everyone and everything to take such a position.

    “From what transpired in the last couple of hours or so, you have shown remorse; you have asked for forgiveness and you have indicated that you have learnt some good lessons and you will mend fences and make amends as necessary and as desirable.

    “Whenever or wherever you might have offended me, as a Christian who asks for God’s forgiveness of my sins and inadequacies on daily basis, I forgive and I sincerely advise you to learn from the past and do what is right and it will be well with you.  Obviously, you have mended fences with the Party and fully reconciled with the Party.

    “That’s why today, you are the Presidential Candidate of the Party.  In addition to appreciating all that the Party has done for you, may I advise you to work together with all those who contested for the Party’s flag with you as a team for your campaign.

    “There are still areas, nationally and internationally, where you have to mend fences and make amends.  You will know how to handle what is already out and what may yet be put out by the opposition.  But, I am convinced that if you continue with the attitude that brought you here with these distinguished leaders of goodwill, with remorse and contrite heart, the rest of the coast within and outside the country can be cleared.

    “And if there is anything I can do and you want me to do in that respect, I will do.  I am sure with the right attitude for change where necessary, and by putting lessons learned by you to work, you will get the understanding, cooperation, support and mandate – all at the national level.

    “With Nigerians voting for you, it will mean that you secure their forgiveness and regain their confidence. It will be with the hope or assurance of a Paul on the road to Damascus Conversion. After all, change and conversion are of man. I believe that with a contrite heart, change is possible in everybody’s life and situation.

    “For me, relatively and of all the aspirants in the PDP, you have the widest and greatest exposure, experience, outreach and possibly the best machinery and preparation for seeing the tough and likely dirty campaign ahead through.

    “From what I personally know of you, you have capacity to perform better than the incumbent. You surely understand the economy better; you have business experience, which can make your administration business-friendly and boost the economy and provide jobs.

    “You have better outreach nationally and internationally and that can translate to better management of foreign affairs.  You are more accessible and less inflexible and more open to all parts of the country in many ways.  As Pastor Bakare, one-time running mate of the incumbent President said, “You are a wazobia man.”

    “And that should help you in confronting the confrontable and shunning nepotism.

    “As you know, along the road to where you are today, many leaders and ordinary people cooperated and overtly and covertly worked hard.  On your behalf, I thank them all.  May their coast continue to be expanded.

    “And when you become Nigerian President which, insha-Allah, you will be, remember what we did together in government – we ran an administration by Nigerians for all Nigerians where merit and performance count more than blood relationship, friendship or kith and kin.

    “Although some time and ground have been lost, you should endeavour to start from where we stopped and recover some lost ground, if not time.

    Please uphold truth, integrity, principles, morality and fight corruption, crimes and insurgency.

    “The fundamental law of the land, our constitution must be scrupulously defended. I make one demand and one demand on you today, I need you to say before God and man that you will always remain irrevocably committed to upholding ALL the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the whole country will remain your single indivisible constituency.

    “Constitutionalism, popular participation and inclusiveness are pre-conditions for reversing the deficits of the past three and half years. They will ensure abiding faith in our indivisibility, oneness and faith in the survival of all against none.

    “The fundamentals for our development, economic growth and progress are hard and soft infrastructure.  Remember to always give adequate places in your administration to our youth and women.

    “All the authorities involved with the preparation, all processes and conduct of the election must ensure that the election is free, fair and credible.

    “Once again, congratulations and I wish you well.  My distinguished brothers and leaders of goodwill, thank you for making this happen.  I will now count on you to encourage all hands to be on the deck to take Nigeria to the level God has created it to be – autopilot level. God bless you all and God bless Nigeria.”