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Tag: atiku

  • 2023: Atiku will emerge the president without the support of G5 governors – PDP

    2023: Atiku will emerge the president without the support of G5 governors – PDP

    As the 2023 general elections draws  nearer, politicians who are loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have  noted that the Waziri of Adamawa will come out tops at the polls, regardless of the position taken by the G5 governors.

    They gave assurance that Atiku will emerge victorious with or without the impact of the G5 governors who have decided to withdraw support for him.

    They added that the solidarity enjoyed by Atiku cut across party lines, noting that the task to rescue Nigeria from “the ills” of the past seven and a half years should be supported by well-meaning Nigerians, irrespective of their religious and political leanings.

    One of the loyalists and the  Director of Strategic Communication, National Election Management Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Committee, Chief Dele Momodu told newsmen in Abuja that Atiku has a unigue character different from other contestants in the race.

    According to him, there is no contestant as of now that can withstand Atiku Abubakar in the race to Aso Rock in 2023.

    He said “There is no candidate today that can stop Atiku Abubakar from becoming President of Nigeria. None of the candidates has his pedigree, exposure, competence, temperament, and network. He has paid his dues, having staked his life in the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria in the past 29 years. His crowning glory will come in 2023.

    “I heard one of the G5 governors saying yesterday that he will announce his preferred presidential candidate in January. We hope they will announce Atiku but with or without the support of these governors, Atiku is winning the election. He will become the President of Nigeria. This is not rhetoric.

    “Everyone contesting can list thousands of reasons they should be voted for but we need a man who is an expert at job creation, a unifier, a Nigerian that Nigerians can trust. Wherever he is called to share his vision, he goes there no matter how inconvenient it is. Unlike those who run away from town halls, Atiku is always available to speak about the issues. While others attack him, his focus is on the issues. We do hope these candidates will man up to debate him on issues of security, job creation, economy, sports, infrastructure, and what have you,” he said.

    Meanwhile, another loyalist of the PDP candidate, Timothy Osadolor, has said that the Nyesom Wike led G5 governors  are not being taken seriously anymore and as such not posing any threat that could stop Alhaji Atiku from emerging the president come 2023.

     

  • 2023: Again, Peter Obi of LP ahead Tinubu, Atiku, others in fresh poll

    2023: Again, Peter Obi of LP ahead Tinubu, Atiku, others in fresh poll

    A new poll concluded in December has shown that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi is ahead of the three other frontline candidates.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the poll conducted by NOI Polls Limited and commissioned by Anap Foundation showed that Obi leads Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    Anap Foundation President, Atedo Peterside made this known during a live appearance in of the national television stations on Wednesday.

    He said the election has moved past a three-horse race, as said in an earlier poll released in September, to a four-horse race.

    Peterside said Obi has 23 percent, Tinubu scored 13, Atiku got 10 and Kwankwaso polled 2 percent in the fresh poll released in December.

    “Nobody has gained or lost more than 2, 3 percent. I don’t know whether that is good news or bad news but it is as if nothing has happened fundamentally, no significant shift,” he said.

    He said mobile phones were the instruments used to conduct the poll because of increased mobile phone penetration in the country, adding that a large percentage of people are undecided.

    Peterside also said the interest level in the next general elections is driven by economic challenges plaguing the nation, poverty, insecurity, amongst others.

    He noted that the appetite of the youths in this election is high and carpeted candidates who have dodged presidential debates.

    Anap Foundation had released a similar poll in September in which Obi also led the other 17 candidates in the race for Aso Rock’s top job in 2023.

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  • Nigerians don’t need Atiku who spends all his time in Dubai – Fani-Kayode

    Nigerians don’t need Atiku who spends all his time in Dubai – Fani-Kayode

    A spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential campaign council, Femi Fani-Kayode has criticised the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar who resides in Dubai, UAE.

    Reacting to a claim by a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau that APC flagbearer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously sick and incapable to be the next President of Nigeria.

    Shekarau said, “When we said @officialABAT is seriously sick or is unstable in his activities are we wrong? How can you vote for him as your number one citizen”?

    Fani-Kayode in a series of tweets on Monday described Shekarau as an irresponsible and deceitful person.

    He wrote, “Irresponsible & deceitful words from an irresponsible & deceitful man in an irresponsible & deceitful party.

    “Thunder fire you Ibrahim. It is @atiku that is seriously sick & unstable & not Asiwaju. He is sick in body, spirit & soul.

    “We don’t want a sick & conflicted half man/half woman “non-binary” President who spends all his time in Dubai. We want a real man like @officialABAT”.

  • Atiku reveals effect of Tinubu’s campaign on Nigerians

    Atiku reveals effect of Tinubu’s campaign on Nigerians

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Bola Tinubu’s campaign is full of deception and diverting public attention from its inability to articulate or process issues of governance.

    Atiku’s Campaign organization lambasted Tinubu and the ruling APC for comparing the years of the PDP to the alleged famished years of the APC.

    The spokesperson of Atiku’s campaign organization, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement on Saturday, also described the APC Presidential Campaign as “plagued by a Lying Spirit”.

    It described the APC-led Federal Government as a deceptive, corrupt, and incompetent administration that has allegedly wrecked the economy and foisted an era of pain, sorrow, anguish, and mass killing on the nation.

    The statement read in part “It is unfortunate that at a time when Nigerians expect Asiwaju Tinubu to be remorseful and ask for forgiveness, he is going around with another box of lies with which he intends to beguile Nigerians once again.

    “If there is any political party in the world that should never seek electoral votes because of its many failures, that party is the incompetent, deceptive and insensitive APC.

    “Nigerians are already aware that the Tinubu campaign is trying to divert public attention from its inability to articulate or process issues of governance as well as Asiwaju Tinubu’s incapacity to debate either in the media or public space.

    “The continued resort of the TInubu/ Shettima Campaign to diversionary tactic shows Tinubu’s acceptance of the superiority of the Candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar.

    “In any case, it is imperative for the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign to know that Nigerians are still waiting for their response to the litany of allegations surrounding Asiwaju Tinubu’s smelly past”.

  • ‘Gather your senses together’ – Fani-Kayode blasts Atiku on Igbo presidency

    ‘Gather your senses together’ – Fani-Kayode blasts Atiku on Igbo presidency

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Femi Fani-Kayode has said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is not the stepping stone to Igbo presidency.

    Atiku had promised to bequeath the presidency to Igbos if they elect him in 2023. He made the pledge during his campaign rally in Anambra State.

    Reacting, Fani-Kayode nobody can stop Igbos from producing the presidency when the time comes.

    A Facebook post by the former Aviation Minister reads partly: “Do the Igbo need you to become President? You have been trying to be President for over 30 years and you have not been able to make it and now you are saying you will be the stepping stone for someone else.

    “Please gather your senses together and hear the following: when the time for an Igbo Presidency comes, no-one can stop it and they will not need a fading, weak, corrupt, deceitful, dishonorable, treacherous, anti-Southern religious bigot and ethnic hegemonist to be a stepping stone for them.”

  • Atiku-Okowa youth campaigner shot in Rivers

    Atiku-Okowa youth campaigner shot in Rivers

    A campaigner of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar identified as Mr Rhino Owhorkire has been shot by gunmen suspected to be thugs.

    Owhorkire, the Director for Youths Mobilization, Atiku-Okowa campaign team in Rivers State was reportedly shot on his way home in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday night.

    According to The Nation, Owhorkire was once allegedly abducted by thugs in a viral video and forced to renounce his support for the PDP presidential candidate.

    In the latest incident, a source, who spoke in confidence said the hoodlums shot at Owhorkire’s vehicle tyres before firing him through the windscreen.

    The source said Owhorkire was in pains and receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.

    He said: “He is a native of Aluu. He was driving to his house yesterday night and was shot by some unknown persons.

    “They shot the tyres of his car, shot directly at his windscreen and that is how he received those injuries on his mouth. His mouth was scattered.

    “As I speak with you, he is in serious pains. His mouth is scattered. But he is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.”

    Another viral video showed Owhorkire with blood dripping heavily from his injured mouth.

    “I am dying. They shot me now. I am dying, they have shot me,” he said in the video.

    When contacted, Rivers police spokerperson, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to arrest the culprits.

    He said: “Yes, it happened. I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer in that area. We are working to get the details, but I can tell you that investigation has commenced.

    “We will get to the root of the matter and fish out those behind the attack and ensure they face justice”.

  • We know those who planted killings in Rivers – Wike alleges

    We know those who planted killings in Rivers – Wike alleges

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has alleged that everyone is aware of those who planted killings in the state.

    Responding to claims of sending thugs to attack supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Rivers, Wike described the allegations as cheap blackmail.

    The governor said he has never been involved in any act of political violence.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, he said: “Some people are saying we sent thugs to attack them. You see, when people see failure, they will begin to plan excuses.

    “Instead of you to tell your principal, this will be difficult for me, you are giving excuses.”

    He cautioned the political class against any attempt to plunge the state into chaos.

    “Anybody who knows me know, that I have never been violent. If I am violent, I won’t go to court.

    “But we know those who planted killings in this State when they were Secretary to government. We know them, but that killing will not happen again in the State.

    “We will not give you the opportunity to try it again,” he said.

  • PDP crisis: I am waiting for Wike, says Atiku

    PDP crisis: I am waiting for Wike, says Atiku

    Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday said he’s waiting for River State Governor, Nyesom Wike to resolve the current crisis rocking the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Wike is aggrieved with the leaders of PDP after he lost during the party’s presidential primaries.

    Atiku disclosed that he had met Wike five times in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and London but had no positive impact in resolving the party crisis.

    Speaking at The People’s Townhall meeting, Atiku said the meeting was aimed at resolving the crisis within PDP.

    “I have met Wike two times in Port Harcourt, two times in Abuja, one time in London, personally. It is not on my part; it is on the other side; I am waiting for him,” Atiku said.

    The governor was initially aggrieved that Atiku snubbed him for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate.

    Wike and his group, the G-5 integrity group also called for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman of the party.

     

  • Beware of Atiku’s sugar-coated tongue, Tinubu cautions Nigerians

    Beware of Atiku’s sugar-coated tongue, Tinubu cautions Nigerians

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned Nigerians not to get carried away by the promises of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    This was contained in a statement Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media & Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, signed on his behalf, Tinubu said the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be ashamed of his party’s record in office.

    Atiku had said the best period Nigerians enjoyed under the current democratic dispensation was when the PDP was in power.

    Responding, Tinubu said Atiku was “embellishing the locust years as if it was a golden era in our history.”

    He said, “We need to warn Nigerians to be wary of the sugar-coated promises of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as they embark on their inordinate and desperate campaign to gain power at all cost.

    “A party that should be eternally shameful about its appalling record in governance between 1999 and 2015 is now busy rewriting history, embellishing the locust years as if it was a golden era in our history.

    “Of course, this is fake history at its worse. We are not fooled. Nigerians should also not be fooled about the boldfaced lies, being articulated by the candidate and his party.

    “What is more shocking is Atiku’s audacity in standing up to ask for our votes despite what his boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote about him in his book, ‘My Watch’. Obasanjo wrote that it would have been an unpardonable mistake “and sin against God to foist him on Nigeria”. Obasanjo still believes so till tomorrow.”

    “Obasanjo still rues till today making Atiku his vice president in 1999, only to discover later, his shadowy parentage, his propensity to corruption, his tendency to disloyalty, his inability to say and stick to the truth all the time, a propensity for poor judgment, his belief and reliance on marabouts, his lack of transparency, his trust in money to buy his way out on all issues and his readiness to sacrifice morality, integrity, propriety, truth and national interest for self and selfish interest. We are, however, not totally surprised about Atiku’s latest desperation.”

    Tinubu also tackled Atiku over some promises he made at the PDP presidential rally in Abuja, saying, “Atiku is aware that this is his last shot at the elusive presidency”.

    “He claimed at his rally in Abuja on Saturday that the country is not secure for trading and farming, a false narrative that he has been pushing around for some time, since he relocated to Nigeria from his base in Dubai, principally to contest the election.

    “We believe in his private moment that Atiku will concede that his view about insecurity is exaggerated. Our country is certainly better secure than in 2015 when the PDP allowed insurgents to seize 17 local councils in Borno and some four councils in Atiku’s home state of Adamawa State, when Abuja was under constant bomb attacks and people slept with eyes wide open. What further proof of progress made by the APC does Atiku need than the fact that he was able, recently, to carry his party men and women to Maiduguri to hold a rally, without any attacks by insurgents and bandits. Atiku can also drive smoothly from Yola, his state capital to Jada, his home town on a reconstructed road by the Buhari-led APC administration. The road was impassable for 8 years Atiku was Vice President and got progressively bad and totally cut off from civilisation until the Buhari government reconstructed it.”

  • Mixed Reactions as Obi, Kwankwso, Atiku get Chatham House Invite

    Mixed Reactions as Obi, Kwankwso, Atiku get Chatham House Invite

    Chatham House which recently hosted the Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also extended invitations to the flagbearers of three other leading political parties and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu, sparking a mixed-reaction from Nigerians.

    A former Governor of Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, will be next to speak at the Chatham House in London, United Kingdom, on the country’s 2023 elections and political developments.

    The meeting, a members and Africa programme designed as part of a series of events and outputs examining Nigeria’s 2023 elections and political developments, will take place on January 16, 2023.

    Director of Africa Programme at Chatham House Alex Vines, disclosed during the hosting of Tinubu by the Royal Institute of International Affairs, that the presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, will also be invited to share their vision for renewing hope in Nigeria.

    “Chatham House will host an event with INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu. We have invitations out to three other presidential candidates for this election in Nigeria,” Vines said.

    While the dates for engagement with the other leading presidential aspirants are yet to officially be made public, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that this will be Atiku’s second outing, having made the first appearance in April 2018 ahead of the 2019 presidential election which he also contested.

    Also, as a presidential hopeful, President Muhammadu Buhari was at Chatham House in February 2015 where he noted that peaceful alternation of power through competitive elections have happened in Ghana, Senegal, Malawi and Mauritius; adding that the prospects of democratic consolidation in Africa will be further brightened when the APC as an opposition took over power.

    “While you can’t have representative democracy without elections, it is equally important to look at the quality of the elections and to remember that mere elections do not democracy make.

    “It is globally agreed that democracy is not an event, but a journey. And that the destination of that journey is democratic consolidation – that state where democracy has become so rooted and so routine and widely accepted by all actors,” he said.

    Some Nigerians are now questioning the rationale behind politicians going to Chatham House at each election season and whether it should be encouraged.

    A curious Nigerian on Twitter BIshop ikmohit, wrote: “But why is Chatham house inviting Nigeria’s presidential candidates…will the candidates running for the office of PM honour the invitation of LCCI? just thinking”.

    Similarly, Gerald Nduaguba shared the same sentiments when he said: “I have no problem with our leaders having interviews and debates, in fact it’s needed, or even going to foreign countries to talk to Nigerians and to share their ideas. But why do our leaders need to go to a British organisation to answer questions about leading our Nigeria?

    Another tweet by @Man_Nedu said it was a dangerous trend for African leaders to always see the need to speak on Platforms hosted by European countries and advised the Labour Party candidate to boycott the meeting.

    “I would prefer that PO doesn’t speak at this event. Why in the world should African politicians speak on platforms hosted by European countries? I honestly don’t get it,” he said.

    However, some other Nigerians were of the opinion that such platforms would amplify the voices of African leaders in the diplomatic landscape, as it offers more visibility than the local organisations or institutions.

    Jane Oiza said it is very exciting news that Obi has also been invited by Chatham House. “The world will see the difference, between the competence, preparedness, intelligence, the desire to serve and salvage what is left of our dear Country, and those who feel it is their entitlement to rule.”

    In the same vein, Okoji Amarachukwu said: “Thank God we have another opportunity to redeem our image that was badly battered few days ago,” referring to Tinubu’s outing which has remained a subject of criticism.

    The APC candidate has been slammed for delegating questions to his campaign members who were with him during his Chatham House address.