APC IS NIGERIA’S BIGGEST MISTAKE – FORMER VICE PRESIDENT
By Emmanuel Samuel, Yola
The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigeria’s biggest mistake adding that the mass defection of people into the PDP is the beginning of internment of the APC party.
The Vice President made the remark at a rally convened by the Party at the Mammud Ribadu Square on Saturday in Yola, Adamawa State Capital to receive some prominent members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who defected to the PDP.
Atiku advised Nigerians to leave the APC stating that the party had performed woefully in the last years.
“We have made a big mistake before by floating a party called APC. But from today, I’m calling on you Adamawa people to leave your parties and join PDP because it is the future and the masses’ party”. He said.
The former Vice President who revealed that he will mobilize for the burial of the APC and other opposition parties in the state also said that it was PDP that gave life back to Adamawa State and ushered it into the present state of development after it was slayed by the APC.
“Our schools are now better and our health institutions are in superb shape. I pray that this event will mark the beginning of the internment of the party,” Atiku emphasized.
Atiku tasked the state Stakeholders and loyalists of the PDP to put their differences aside and embrace Unity, harmony and be focused for the victory of the party come 2023 general elections.
During the event, prominent ex-members of APC including former Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Kobis Ari Thimnu, Chief Daniel Bwala, Sali Bodes, Umar Bello Calculate, Hon Nedo Geoprey and Philip Gutuwa were received by the Adamawa State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Welcoming the new members, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri assured the defectors that they will be treated fairly and will be given a level playing ground.
He noted that with the resolve of the people to discard the APC in Adamawa State, PDP has regained back its glory in the state.
“I want all of you to give the new defectors the needed cooperation and level playing field as we have no stranger in the party.
Allow those who want to contest among them to participate in the electoral process and they should be well accommodated and given a level playing ground. But let those who loose election remain in the party because we will not be happy with people whose aims is only to contest election under our platform,” Fintiri noted.
His Excellency urged all the party stakeholders to work round the clock to sell Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy even outside the state, adding that Atiku is the Messiah that Nigeria is earnestly waiting for.
“We need to go to other States to sell Atiku’s candidacy because selling Atiku in Adamawa amounts to eye service. Nigeria is in need of a Messiah and Atiku is that Messiah,” He said.
He noted that the renewed unity of purpose currently in the party was responsible for the giant strides being recorded in the state, recalling that in the last two years, the state has made immense development.
The Governor also stated that he has instructed the PDP stakeholders to ensure 35% affirmative action in the coming party congresses.
“As a leader, I will ensure that youths and women are carried along in elections and appointments. Don’t block anybody from participation as we need massive participation because we are a People’s centered party,” he said.
Also re-echoing the Governor’s position, the State Chairman of PDP, Barr. A.T Shehu noted that the mass defection marks the end of APC in Adamawa State and Nigeria in general.
“Today marks the beginning of the burial of APC in Adamawa State and Nigeria as a whole. We are receiving popular politicians who are not only popular in the state but household names in Nigeria.
” Our national headquarters charged us to give the defectors all the needed support and cooperation. They should also be treated like every other person,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Kobis Ari Thimnu and Umar Bello Jada said they left the APC following its woeful outing while calling on all members to ensure the success of Atiku as he is the only man with the requisite experience, exposure and mindset to salvage Nigeria.
