The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election has called on supporters to vote for PDP candidates in the upcoming off-cycle elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku acknowledged the widespread dissatisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) handling of the 2023 general elections. However, he emphasised that such shortcomings should not deter citizens from exercising their democratic rights.
“The governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states are scheduled to take place this Saturday, the 11th day of November,” Atiku stated. “These elections, which are classified as off-cycle, are the first set of polls to take place after the 2023 general elections in our country.”
Despite the challenges faced by INEC, Atiku urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. “Our objective of defeating anti-democratic elements in our polity cannot be successful if we refuse to go out en masse to cast our ballot on Election Day,” he asserted.
The former Vice President appealed to the people of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states to support PDP candidates in their respective elections. He highlighted the achievements and capabilities of PDP candidates, contrasting them with their APC counterparts.
“In Bayelsa State, Governor Duoye Diri has given a good account of himself as a leader who is directly responsible to the people,” Atiku remarked. “His giant strides in the areas of infrastructure and social development speak volumes about how his government has been able to touch the lives of the people positively.”
In Kogi, Atiku praised Senator Dino Melaye’s commitment to his constituents. “Senator Dino Melaye has shown great capacity to stand on the side of the people and, by so doing, using every opportunity available to him to drive speedy development to his constituents,” he noted. “Electing him governor will afford him a bigger platform to do even more.”
For Imo State, Atiku expressed confidence in Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu’s leadership potential. “Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has a rich profile of a political leader who is not only in touch with the grassroots but is committed to protecting the interests of his constituents,” Atiku declared. “Senator Anyanwu is a political leader who I believe has what it takes to take Imo State to a higher pedestal in good governance.”
In contrast to the PDP’s candidates, Atiku criticised the APC’s nominees, alleging that they are mere “stooges” of political godfathers. “In Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, candidates flying the flags of the APC are known to be stooges of some godfathers within or outside of those states,” he stated.
Atiku emphasised that the upcoming elections should prioritise the needs of the common people rather than the interests of political elites. “The elections this Saturday are absolutely about the people. It is absolutely not about any political godfather,” he asserted.
Therefore, Atiku urged the people of Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states to vote for the PDP and reject the APC, which he blamed for the country’s current hardships. “That is why it is important for the people of Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi state to come out in large numbers to vote for the PDP and to reject the APC that has brought us untold hardship and misery,” he declared.
“These elections are more about the fortunes of the common people, and it is my firm belief that when the people vote and stand to protect their votes, democracy wins,” he added. “When democracy wins, the people invariably win.”
