I Represent South-East Surest Route To Presidency — Atiku

• Nigeria bigger than any single party, politician – Soludo

BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, says the South East geo-political zone surest route to the Presidency is to elect him as Nigeria’s number one citizen in the 2023 general elections

Assuredly, the former Vice President said; “I will be the stepping stone to actualise Igbo presidency if elected in 2023”.

Addressing supporters during the PDP presidential rally held at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the Anambra State capital, Alhaji Atiku said he will assist the Igbo nation to assume the country’s presidency after his tenure.

“I have shown it by my actions because this is the third time I will be contesting with an Igbo man as my running mate. If you really want to produce a President, then support and vote the Atiku/Okowa ticket”, the PDP flag bearer begged.

This is as he also promised that the PDP administration would make the Onitsha Port functional and productive if elected as the next president come 2023.

The PDP Standard bearer had earlier described the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Awka, as a trusted partner he would need to move Nigeria forward if elected in 2023.

Explaining that his relationship with Soludo was beyond partisan politics, but a commitment to undertake reforms in the Nigerian economy, the Wazirin Adamawa said; “This is beyond party politics. There should be a consensus on how we move forward and I consider Governor Soludo as a partner in that respect.

“It is my singular respect and honour for him to receive me in the state. In spite of our different political affiliations, there should be some core values we should agree on towards the development of our country.

“I thank Governor Soludo for going beyond party politics. He didn’t shut the gate against us. We are all partners in our reform agenda as far as Nigeria is concerned.”

Commending the Governor and Anambra people for the warm reception enjoyed by the PDP delegation, Alhaji Atiku said; “The Governor personally told me he was not available in the state, but had to find a way back to receive me. I thank him for the opportunity and wish for God’s blessings upon his life and upon Anambra State.”

In his remarks while receiving the PDP candidate and his entourage, Governor Soludo stated that Nigeria’s development and socio-economic growth should be prioritise by all politicians or candidates who wish the country and the people well.

Maintaining that the country is bigger than any political party and the business of building it is bigger than any single politician, Governor Soludo said; “In this business of building Nigeria, Anambra and Igboland should be an open place for anyone.

“Just give us your proposition and tell us how you will fix the country. I am very glad you are here to canvass for votes and I believe our people will listen carefully to every word you have to tell them.

“Our orientation is to have a level playing field for everyone. Politics is about development and we want the South-East to feel this development.”

The Anambra State Chief Executive said; “Reconciliation and Reconstruction are what we haven’t come to terms with”, lamenting that; “The federal highways constructed in the Shagari era are no longer motorable.”

According to him; “My administration is already spending few billions on federal roads. The bottom line is that we want to change the life of the average citizen.”

Specifically addressing the PDP campaign train on their visit to Anambra State, Governor Soludo said; “Our people are all ears. We pray for you, for Nigeria and wish you the very best of luck” in the 2023 polls.