Some former presidential aspirants, who contested in the last Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primary election have pledged their full support and loyalty to the candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
In a release made available to DAILY POST by Atiku’s media aide, Abdurasheed Shehu, he said the former Presidential aspirants, led by Mohammed Hayatudeen, pledged their loyalty to Atiku during a visit to him. Others in attendance included Kalu Chikwendu, Tarry Oliver, Dele Momodu and Charles Ugwu.
Governor Nyesom Wike, ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, former SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, among others, were absent at the meeting.
Hayatudeen stated that they came to congratulate the flagbearer of their party for his victory at the primary election and to wish him well in the forthcoming general elections, with the hope that Atiku will make it to the seat of power.
Chief Dele Momodu stated the importance of having all the Presidential aspirants on board, which he said would ensure victory for the party at the polls.
In his words, “all the aspirants must come together to deliver the party and I believe that PDP has the best chance to win the 2023 presidential election”.
He called for the intervention of all the stakeholders and appealed for everyone to come together and support the party to victory.
He mentioned that “whatever the grievances are amongst the party members, it is important for everyone to come together; hence the unity of the party will translate to electoral victory for all.”
The only female aspirant in the last PDP primary election, Mrs Tarry Oliver, in her short speech stated that as former aspirants, they were reaching out to all their colleagues with the hope that everyone will come on board to deliver the party in all the elections.
She expressed her firm belief that the structure of the party will encourage a collective approach which will include women and youths participation that will enable the party to focus on issue-based campaigns.
According to her, PDP is one united family and assured Nigerians that whatever is happening within the party is a family affair which will ultimately be resolved amicably.
In his response, the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar expressed his gratitude for their congratulatory visit and commended them for accepting the outcome of the presidential primary.
Atiku assured them that he was ready to work with them as partners, by ensuring victory for the PDP in the 2023 general elections.
He reaffirmed the importance of working as a united front in a collective quest to rescue Nigeria from bad governance.
The former Vice President stated that the project of reclaiming the country was not a one man’s job but a collective responsibility.
Atiku stated that as the campaign period draws near, he looked forward to more interactive sessions with the group.
