BY Samuel Akpan
Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on Nigerians to support the party to “rescue” Nigeria.
Abubakar was elected as the PDP presidential candidate at the party’s primary held on Saturday in Abuja.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja after he was handed his certificate of return by Iyorchia Ayu, PDP national chairman, Abubakar said his victory is for all Nigerians and party members, including those who contested against him.
“This victory is a victory for all of us, for our party and for the vast majority of Nigerians suffering under the misrule of the APC. It was a collective effort and I’m very grateful for everybody’s contributions,” he said.
The PDP’s presidential candidate also advised the national working committee (NWC) to unite all members towards ensuring victory for the party.
“It requires the entire PDP family and other supporters and sympathisers. We must pull everyone together. Nobody should be excluded, I beg of you,” he said.
“I have already visited some of those who contested against me, in the effort to unify the party so that we can face our opponent, defeat them in the election and begin the process of rescuing and rebuilding this country from the callous and dangerous misrule of the past seven years. It’s there for everyone to see.
“We must unite and work extremely hard for every single vote in this country. There is so much to do and there is very little time to waste. So, let’s get to work.”
The former vice-president also said the party’s NWC organised a “rancour-free and successful convention”, adding that it is the best ever conducted by the PDP.
“Believe me, it was the best. Thank you, Mr Chairman, for the excellent way that he has steered the affairs of this party including overseeing the successful convention,” he said.
“I am particularly grateful that you gave us your word. You kept to your word and gave us the contestants fair treatment, despite the likely varying sympathies and what must have been a pressure-laden difficult situation. Your integrity must be commended.
“My chairman and dear friends, I am excited for this opportunity to bear our party’s flag again. Let us all remember that what just happened is a contest within a family to put our best foot forward. The main contest is the one to win the presidency of this country for our party.”
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