The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, says his election next year as President will pave the way for an Igbo presidency in Nigeria.
Atiku made the disclosure on Thursday at Awka, the Anambra State capital, as part of his nationwide campaign tour.
“I am going to be a stepping stone to an Igbo president in this country. I have shown it in my action because this is the third time that I am running with an Igbo man. If you really want to produce a president, then vote for the Atiku-Okowa ticket.
“We are not going to forget you, we are going to reward you handsomely,” said Atiku who marveled at the reception accorded him in the state.
“I never thought I will see such a crowd in Anambra State, and believe me.”
He reiterated his commitment to rejigging the security structure of the nation, pointing out that insecurity in Nigeria is a national issue.
“We will enshrine justice and equity; then we will review the national security architecture to allow for population reorientation and community policing.
“Each locality will determine its threats and make recommendations on how to tackle it and we are the federal level will take it from there,” he noted.
The ex-Vice President, who pledged to address problems of poor road networks in Anambra, the economy and empower the vulnerable, also pledged to restructure the country.
“We will work with the national assembly to devolve power to all tiers of government and ensure local government allocations reach the intended beneficiaries so that in our quest for a better life for all Nigerians no one is left behind.
“Restructuring also means addressing the grievances of groups and individuals arising from how the polity is ran.
“If elected the PDP government will provide a platform where such grudges are tabled for discussions and a mutually beneficial solution is arrived at with decorum and dignity as envisaged by our founding fathers.
” I guarantee you this but I need your support to walk the talk,” he emphasized.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization (APCO), Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state reminded the party supporters that the Vice Presidential candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is their son.
“Okowa is your son and you know it. As we speak today, the most balanced ticket, that is fair and reflects the Nigerian dream is that of the PDP: Atiku/Okowa,” he said recalling that history is being made by the rally.
“We’re here today. I believe, by the grace of God, history is about to repeat itself.
“In 1979, we had Ifeanyichukwu Alex Ekwueme as Vice President alongside President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari,” he said drawing analogy with the current Atiku/Okowa ticket.
