PDP chieftains shun Makinde, hold rally for Atiku in Ibadan

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Oyo State disregarded Governor Seyi Makinde by planning a rally in support of Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate.

The G-5 crisis, according to the chieftains, is between the governors and Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairman, rather than with Atiku. The chieftains include Elder Wole Oyelese, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, and a former deputy governor named Hazeem Gbolarumi.

According to Oyelese, who led the group in speaking to media on their behalf, Atiku is the best qualified among the front-runners for president based on his background and experience as a detribalized Nigerian.

The former minister claimed that PDP supporters and local chiefs were committed to seeing that Atiku won the poll on February 25.

The rally, tagged ‘Freedom Walk’, will start at Total Garden area of the capital city and terminate at the historic Mapo Hall where party leaders will address PDP supporters and others on why they should mobilise and vote for Atiku in the election.

He said: “PDP is the strongest and most popular party in Oyo State and Nigeria. We are confident PDP will sweep all the positions in the forthcoming election. Atiku won in Oyo State in 2019 and we believe he will win by landslide this time.

People have seen the difference between PDP and APC governments. During PDP government, the economy was far better than what it is today.

Another four years of APC will throw Nigeria into the throes. Atiku will salvage Nigeria. He is experienced and will hit the ground running from the first day. He is detribalised, a pan-Nigerian. He has the best ideas on how to rescue Nigeria.”

Answering questions from reporters, Gbolarumi said Atiku would win the election with or without the G-5 governors. He assured the people that Makinde will not announce support for any other presidential candidate when he launches his campaign today.