February 18, (THEWILL) – Five political parties have adopted Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the February 25 election.
The political parties are Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP) and National Rescue Movement (NRM).
On Saturday, the parties declared their support for Atiku at the PDP presidential campaign rally in Yola, Adamawa State.
Speaking on behalf of the parties, the National Chairman of APM, Yusuf Dantalle, said they reached the decision after “extensive deliberations and consultations” with relevant stakeholders.
Dantalle said while the five political parties will collapse their structure nationwide to campaign for the victory of Abubakar, Nigerians should vote for their candidates for the governorship and legislative seats across the country.
“History is being made in our collective effort to recover, rebuild, and turn around the destiny of our beloved nation. It is time to unite, reconcile, heal and secure Nigerians in our match to greatness. It is time to chart a new course for our dear nation and redirect the ship of the state to the path of development and advancement.
“It is time we all should be proud to be called Nigerians; it is time for compassionate leadership with milk of human kindness in governance and end the suffering and hardship in our nation. It is time to return power to the people on whom sovereignty decides.
“It is time for patriotism, to run a participatory democracy and government of national unity and end the marginalisation of fellow compatriots in their own country. It is time to set aside partisan politics and join hands to make Nigeria great again and bequeath a strong, united, progressive, prosperous, equitable and decent democratic nation to future generations.
“We are of the firm view that the Atiku/Okowa ticket is the best for our dear nation in this presidential election that will redefine the destiny of our country. We are proud to identify with this progressive movement that will deepen and strengthen the nation’s frail democracy, breathe fresh air into governance and restore the dignity of fellow compatriots that have suffered untold hardship in recent years.
“Nigeria needs and deserves servant leaders, a listening government to transform the nation and the people’s standard of living; a government that will give priority to the security and welfare of the people in accordance with section 14(2b) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).”
Chairpersons of the five political parties attended the rally.
Meanwhile, the Oyo state chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has collapsed its structure in support of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, Seyi Makinde.
Members of the party, led by the National Deputy secretary, Chief Simeon Adewale Adeshina; Oyo state chairman, Kola Balogun; the 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the party, Chief Ayorinde and other critical stakeholders at an enlarged stakeholder meeting in Ibadan on Saturday resolved to support Tinubu and Makinde.
According to them, Makinde has been able to rewrite the history of governance in Oyo state with achievements that cut across all sectors of the economy.
A communiqué issued at the end of the stakeholders meeting, and signed by the state chairman of the party, Kola Balogun, reads: “I wish to welcome the SDP Oyo State Executives, all our local govt delegates from all d 33 LGAs of Oyo State and Key stakeholders to this import declaration today.
“You are all aware of the legal battle pending in Abuja Fed High Court 5 wherein we are the plaintiff. During the course of this legal battle, the court made an interim pronouncement that all sides should maintain the status quo ante. In furthering this at our National convention on 31st May 2022 in Merit House, Abuja
“The Convention took a decision that all officers democratically elected in March 2016 remain recognised until the case is determined.
“In this regard, we salute our Nat Executives led by the National Chairman, Chief Supo Shonibare for strengthening the Party up to this moment.
“Equally, at an exploratory meeting with d defendants in Lagos on Sept 27th last year our Party took a decision that besides the Presidential office, each state is free to support any other political party’s candidate in other positions contested in dis 2023 Elections.
“Consequent upon this the Hon Balogun-led Oyo State executives had communicated the same to all the 33 LGAs.
“I am happy that there is consensus to support the incumbent Gov. Seyi Makinde because of the tremendous work he is doing in Oyo State.
“The laudable development projects are numerous which include d Iwo road interchange and Bus Terminal. The completion of d Ibadan Shaki – Iseyin Road, Emmanuel Alayandele University of Education, the reconstructed sports stadiums, the modern bus transport system, the prompt payment of pensions and all civil servants’ salaries, the unprecedented 13th-month yearly Salary payments to all civil servants, the motor Garage park management system which has brought succour to commuters and transport operators in Oyo State.
“It is, therefore, with your resounding consensus that we shall today formally announce our total support and electoral Alliance with Makinde, the PDP Gov candidate and all PDP Senatorial, Fed House of Reps and Oyo State Assembly contestants in this 2023 General Elections.
“I will pursue at this moment to take any opposing views if any. If not, can somebody move a motion to confirm that this assembly has unanimously adopted Makinde and all PDP candidates in this 2023 Election as SDP candidates by way of the Electoral Alliance. Can somebody support the motion? If no opposing motion, please in support say hi. Opposing, say nay.
“Thank you for your support. Pls, carry this resolution to all your LGAs and wards up to each cell unit. You shall be expected to work with d PDP in your various LGAs to ensure resounding victory. Congratulations to us all.”
