Convert your support for me to votes, Atiku tells supporters in Delta

Asaba, the capital of Delta State, stands still as a supporter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came en-masse to grace the presidential campaign of the party in the city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the over 25,000 capacity Stephen Keshi Stadium, which was the venue of the rally, was overflowing with party supporters, while those outside the stadium outnumbered those inside.

Addressing the rally, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, thanked the large audience and urged those present to turn their support to vote for the party en masse.

He thanked the people of Delta for their resolute commitment to the PDP since 1999 and urged them to continue to support the party.

He assured that the support informed his decision to choose the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate as part of his commitment to reward the state and the Niger Delta in general.

He said his administration would empower the country to control its resources, stressing that the sacrifices of the Delta and the Niger Delta would be rewarded.

Atiku said he was not in Delta to campaign but expressed his gratitude to the people for supporting the party since 1999 till now.

“Delta and indeed the entire Niger Delta have never failed me; you have supported me all the way and I will not betray that trust.

“Because of your support, I chose one of you myself in the person of Governor Okowa as my running mate,” he said.

He called on the people to support the party and vote en masse for the PDP to ensure the fulfillment of the party’s agenda.

Atiku pledges to end attacks on tertiary institutions to ensure a reliable and functional education system in the country.

He also promised to grow the economy through massive industrialization; ensure safety of life and property and control of resources.

“As president, I want to assure you that there will be no more attacks by ASUU.

“Also, we will send power to the country; there will be source control and you as the Niger Delta will benefit from the policy.

“Security is the most important thing; it is our responsibility and commitment to secure this country so that businesses can thrive.

“Since 1999, Delta has remained a PDP state and continues to enjoy the dividends of good governance.

“You must believe in PDP to expand development and grow our economy to become the largest economy on the continent,” Atiku said.

On his part, Mr. Okowa charged PDP supporters to convert the large number of voters into votes by collecting their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by voting for all PDP candidates.

He said the large turnout by the youths and others was impressive and since Delta was the vice presidential choice, the people should appreciate Atiku for the large number of votes.

“We have been looking for a president with capacity, knowledge and experience; Atiku is suitable and he is the person who can reset the economy of the district,” said Mr. Okowa.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, enlisted the people to affirm their support by voting for the PDP.

The Director General of PDP Presidential Campaign Organization and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, also echoed the same opinion.

According to Mr. Emmanuel, the rally was to celebrate the victory because Delta and Niger Delta will poll more than five million votes for PDP.

“I believe that if Atiku and Okowa are president and vice president, the international oil companies that left Warri and other parts of the Niger Delta region will come back.

Mr. Obaseki pledged the determination of Edo people to poll 1.5 million votes for the Atiku-Okowa ticket.

Mr. Tambuwal said PDP leaders are managers of people, institutions and resources and that a vote for Atiku-Okowa will reward them.

The National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, who later received some defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Labor Party (LP), noted that Delta remains a one party state.

“We are sure you will all come out en masse to vote for PDP all in the February and Mach elections.

In separate remarks, the party’s governorship candidate in Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori; former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, thanked Atiku for choosing Mr. Okowa as his running mate.

He pledged the country’s determination to give massive votes to the party during the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rally provided an opportunity for food and beverage vendors, POS agents and others to do brisk business.

(IN)