Atiku says mission behind Wike, others’ visits
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says his visit to his co-contestants aimed at unifying the party ahead of the general election in 2023.
Atiku had visited Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, Bukola Saraki, and Ayim Pius Ayim after he defeated them at the presidential primaries, held on Saturday.
Atiku received his certificate of returns from the PDP national working committee, led by Iyorchia Ayu on Wednesday.
He said, “We must pull everyone together. Nobody should be excluded.
“I have already visited some of those who contested against me as a way to lead in that effort to unify the party so that we can face our real opponents, defeat them in the elections and begin the process of rescuing and rebuilding this country.
“The callous and dangerous APC misrule over the past seven years is there for everyone to see.
“However, we should not take their defeat for granted. We must unite and work extremely hard for every single vote in this country. There is so much to do and there is little time to waste. So, let’s get to work.”
“The love and unity shown by Governors of our great party, the @OfficialPDPNig, my worthy co-aspirants, the NWC, our leaders past and present, stakeholders and party faithful and supporters at the collection of my Certificate of Return as the PDP presidential candidate.
“I am particularly grateful that you kept your word and gave us contestants fair treatment despite your likely varying sympathies and what must have been a pressure-laden and difficult situation,” the PDP chieftain said about the committee.
“Your integrity and even-handedness must be commended. I commend our party’s National Executive Committee for putting our party and our country first in its deliberations and decision-making.
“I thank all those who assisted my campaign in a variety of ways to enable me to crisscross this vast country and make my case to our delegates and other party elders and members.”
