National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday advised Nigerians, especially youths, to keep their distance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in their own interest and that of Nigeria.
Oshiomhole with whom were Transportation Minister Rotimi Ameachi and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, told the people of Plateau State to be wary of empty promises from the PDP in the build-up to this year’s elections.
They spoke at the flag-off of the campaign for the re-election of Governor Simeon Lalong of Plateau State at Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.
Oshiomole, who received hundreds of defectors from the PDP and other political parties at the rally, urged Nigerians to reject Alhaji Atiku.
The PDP, according to him, is out to sell Nigeria and urged the people to say “no to Atiku.”
Amaechi described Lalong as a humble person who has lived up to his campaign promises.
He blasted the PDP for anchoring its campaign on alleged hunger in Nigeria.
He said if PDP leaders who ruled Nigeria in the past had not milked Nigeria dry, Nigeria would have been better off today.
He said:”The next election is not about Buhari and Atiku, but it should be about what the PDP has done in 16 years and what the APC has done in three years. Buhari is addressing the problems of Nigeria and very soon we will overcome the present challenges.”
Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, who was represented by former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Dame Pauline Tallen, said a vote for Buhari and Lalong is a vote for the development of Nigeria and Plateau State.
She admonished women and youths in Plateau to mobilize massive votes for the President and all APC candidates during the 2019 general elections.
Senator Akume said Buhari is far better than Atiku in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
Governor Lalong described Buhari as his political godfather.
He said:”When I was elected in 2015, I never knew where to start, but when I went to Mr President, he extended his support.
“He has given us peace on the Plateau and anytime I ask him for anything, he never hesitates in granting my request.
“So, Buhari is my political godfather.’’
The defectors, who formally joined the APC yesterday, were led by ex-factional Chairman of National Football Association (NFA), Chris Giwa, while chairmen of 45 political parties in the state endorsed Buhari and Lalong for the 2019 elections.
Oshiomole urged the defectors to join the re-enforcement of the power of the broom in providing quality and purposeful leadership in the country.