From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday in Kano, listed revitalization of agriclultural sector, opening of borders, security of lives and property, economic development, as his major policy thrusts if voted as President of Nigeria, come February 25.
Atiku spoke at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, during PDP’s presidential campaign rally attended by a crowd of party supporters.
“Do you want the return of peace? Do you want agricultural prosperity? Do you want the opening of borders? Do you want economic development? Then, vote PDP, I promise you that these policies will be implemented,” Atiku said in his brief remarks.
PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, described the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) as a “contraption. They have no policy. They only came to take power for their selfish interest.
“Since they came to power eight years ago, there is no money. There is no fuel. They are killing people in our villages. Buhari is not responsible. No cabal in the Villa is responsible. APC is responsible. They came and changed our good policies. Vote them out. APC is a party of suffering.”
Ayu expressed optimism that Atiku Abubakar will win the presidential election, insisting that, “in the next few weeks, our President (Atiku) will be elected. We will rally round him and come up with good policies that will stop the suffering of Nigerians.”
In his address, Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who doubles as the Director-General, PDP Presidential Campaign Council, described Kano as, “the melting of Nigeria’s politics.”
Tambuwal described the crowd that turned out for the rally as “impressive. It is clear that Kano will elect Atiku. Don’t be deceived. This contest is between Atiku and others.
“Reject those people (APC). Don’t be deceived by their money. It is the money they are supposed to use to provide security that they stashed. They want to use it to buy votes.
“You can see the level of in-fighting in APC. They have plans to hack the INEC server. They want to make Kano, and indeed, North-West the dumping ground of their illicit money. Take their money and reject them.”
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom state Governor and chairman of PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Udom Emmanuel, said PDP as a party was impressed by the crowd that graced the rally.
He described the gathering as an endorsement of Atiku’s presidential bid by Kano people.
According to him, if Atiku is voted as President come February 25, Nigeria will have good economy, education, health, peace, and progress.
“Under Atiku, the poor shall never be made poorer, rather, the poor will be made richer. Youth and women empowerment will be part of our policies. Industries in Kano will be revitalized,” he added.
The leader of PDP in Kano, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, in his short remarks, urged Kano people to vote Atiku and other PDP candidates, adding that, “we don’t have to tell you what we are going to do for you. We did it before, and we are going to do it again.”
Other party chieftains who attended the rally include Mohammed Sani Abacha, former Governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, PDP Presidential Campaign Spokesperson, Dino Melaye, Hajiya Na’ajatu Mohammed, former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, former Governor of Bauchi state, Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu, Hajiya Baraka Sani, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, among others.
Atiku and his entourage also paid homage to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.
He also commissioned an Islamic Secondary school, built by Senator Shekarau, as part of his constituency projects.
