· A South easterner will succeed me – Atiku pledges in Enugu
· Under my administration, Imo will become a tourism destination – Tinubu
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The South east may have turned the battle ground for votes ahead of the February 25 presidential election as the presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar respectively stormed Enugu and Owerri on Tuesday for votes
Addressing his supporters in Enugu, Atiku reiterated his determination to handover to a South easterner or an Igbo man if he is elected the next president of the country.
He further called on the south east to ensure they support the opposition party, boasting that PDP is already positioned to win the next presidential election.
The former vice president stated, “When I came here few months ago to attend the zonal meeting of the South Easterners, I said to the South Easterners or to the Igbos, ‘I am going to be the stepping stone to an Igbo Presidency’ and I mean it.
“Whether the Igbo man is from the South East or from the South South, it is the same race. Today, my running mate is an Igbo man. It is a universal ethnic group. It is a universal race.
“My fellow brothers and sisters, the people of Enugu state, I want you to continue believing in the PDP. I want to let you know that this country is geared toward electing a PDP government. Do not be an exception, do not be a minority. The next government in this country is going to be formed by the PDP. Therefore, be in the main stream of Nigerian politics because that is the only way to bring about the prosperity, economic development, the peace and security that you have been looking for in this part of this country and also the country in general” Atiku said.
Also speaking, National chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu told the electorate not to be deceived by persons that want to deceive them.
He said, “I can tell you that voting for APC will not solve the problem of Nigeria. vote for PDP and let’s continue all that we have been doing under PDP, so that Peter Mbah will develop and work hand-in-hand with Atiku Abubakar. Dont follow those who will come to deceive you to vote for the other parties, to vote for Labour party, to vote for APC.
“In the next eleven days Atiku Abubakar will emerge as your next president with Ifeanyi Okowa as his vice-presidential candidate. I want to assure you that immediately after that, the next governor will be Mr Peter Mbah. I don’t have much to come here and campaign to you because is like already talking to the converted you are all believers in PDP”.
Present at the event were the PDP governorship candidate for Enugu, Peter Mbah, The leader of the South east Senate caucus, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, House Minority leader Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and other PDP stalwarts.
Also speaking at the A{PC presidential campaign rally in Owerri, Biola Tinubu, the presidential candidate vowed to make Imo State tourism destination in Nigeria and eradicate insecurity in the State if voted into power on Friday 25th February 2023
According to him “I will work in synergy with Imo State government to make the State a tourism destination, eradicate insecurities and violence by adding value to the state real estate, beautification of the roads, ensuring qualitative education and stopping ASUU strike.”
He reiterated his vision of adopting the incorruptible stands of President Muhammadu Buhari administration through prudent management and improvement of the national revenue earning.
The Presidential candidate described Buhari as a leader that represents integrity and transparency noting that his administration has invested so much in rebuilding the nation which he accused People’s Democratic Party, PDP administration of looting and devastation of the nation.
He accused the PDP of administrative ineptitude and guilty of always dishing out tissues of lies, which he said that Chief Iyorchia Ayo as the national Chairman of PDP confirmed and enjoined the electorates not to vote out PDP and LP in the forthcoming elections.
He described his political platform as the most favoured political party in Africa while canvassing the need for national unity, peace and progress.
Speaking earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari who raised Tinubu hand as his successor said he has confidence in him.
In his speech, Comrade Adams Oshimole, the Deputy Director General of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council welcomed Buhari for his solidarity to the party presidential campaign and for building 2nd Niger bridge and reinstituting rail transportation.
Oshimole pointed out that 3 years ago, Imo State was in the State of hopelessness but expressed satisfaction that Governor Hope Uzodimma has restored hope and confidence in governance among the populace.
The National Chairman of APC, senator Adamu Abdulahi, said the party resolved to hold its mega presidential campaign in Imo on St. Valentine’s day because of their love for Imo State.
Abdullahi who solicited the people’s votes and support for his political party also applauded Governor Uzodimma for demonstrating quality leadership, strong character and courage in governance.
He expressed happiness for the mammoth crowd saying that Imo State is an APC State which he gave credit to Governor Uzodimma.
