PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar
A coalition called One Nigeria Group (ONG), has thrown its weight behind the presidential ambition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the presidential elections slated for Saturday.
The president of the group, Alhaji Muhammad Saleh-Hassan, made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists at a world press conference.
While declaring that the group had decided to endorse Abubakar, Saleh-Hassan urged all Nigerians to follow suit, adding that it was the path of hope for good governance which they had all been desirous of.
Saleh-Hassan said,”At this juncture, I like to declare unequivocally that One Nigeria Group’s choice is the
candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“While we need to get ready to cast our votes for him in an overwhelming magnitude, we also urge everybody here today and all Nigerians to tread this path of hope for good governance that we have all been aspiring for.”
Justifying the group’s endorsement of the former vice president for president, the ONG leader explained that Abubakar has never been accused of sectionalism nor being a member of any secessionist group or movement.
He said that the PDP flag bearer has never been accused of sponsoring militia groups like banditry, Boko Haram, ISWAP and has never been accused of ethnic rivalry, tribalism nor nepotism, adding that his spirit of patriotism portrays him as a nationalist and statesman.
“It is a testament that the blood of peace, unity and progress of this nation flows in his veins. It is against this background that we unreservedly declare our support for him to become the next president of this country.
“Importantly too, his five-point agenda that borders on unity, security, economy, education, as well as devolving more resources to the federating units, speaks volumes as they are geared towards nation- building, as well as the wellbeing and fulfilment of the populace.
“Alhaji Atiku himself has reiterated that his enduring persistence is borne out of his passion to rekindle the Nigerian dream for emancipation from hardship that the APC administration has thrown the country into since eight years ago,” Saleh-Hassan said.
The ONG president noted that Abubakar, who is contesting for president for the sixth time, had sincerely demonstrated doggedness, determination and commitment to serving the nation for good, and not for any pecuniary motive.
According to him, a vote for Atiku is a vote for peace, unity, progress, prosperity and comfort that the populace had been dreaming of, adding that the dream was about to become a reality.
“The Atiku/Okowa synergy is the best option for Nigeria’s unification and emancipation in the times that we have found ourselves.
“They are the only presidential pivots that have the capacity to unify and deliver the country from the quagmire that the country has been experiencing with pains. But it is Nigeria’s time to recover if only Atiku becomes our next president.
“It is apparent that if elected, he will restructure the country and engender a credible and people-oriented governance, following his wealth of experience and exposure in both political and economic firmaments. Atiku can carry us to the promised land. Atiku is the man,” Saleh-Hassan added.
The group also urged Nigerians to conduct themselves during the elections with respect for the rule of law in order to achieve the purpose of electing the right leaders for the country, while the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should ensure credible elections.
It urged the security agencies, particularly the Police, Army, Civil Defence, DSS etc to conduct themselves in ways capable of guaranteeing peace and security before, during and after the elections.
The coalition also called on separatist movements and agitators, particularly the Yoruba Nation and the Independent People of Biafra, (IPOB), to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign ahead of the elections.
“Therefore, government at all levels should put all hands on deck to guarantee peace and security, as well as a credible exercise to be able to sustain the country’s integrity and her Africa’s giant status in the comity of nations.
“Based on the security assurances given us by security agencies, Nigerians should not panic but come out enmasse to perform this civic responsibility to determine their fate in this democratic dispensation.
“We also call on separatist movements and agitators, particularly the Yoruba Nation and IPOB, to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign as we go out to elect our leaders again,” Saleh-Hassan further said.
The ONG president also called on Nigerian youths to compose themselves in the right manners and take their destinies in their hands to achieve a better tomorrow that is about to be entrenched.
He urged the local and international observers, as well as the media, to be professional and objective in the discharge of their duties during the elections, adding that they were very crucial to this achieving democracy.
The coalition leaders who attended the event included Comrade Oche Jimmy, Concerned Citizens for Change, Comrade Johnson Kolawole Micheal, Coalition for Truth and Justice.
Others were Comrade Augustine Tony, Rebirth Nigeria Action Congress, Comrade Adamu Kabir Matazu, President, Arewa Youth Federation (AYF),and Ifeoma Eze, South East Women For Good Governance.
