By 
Abiodun OBA
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has advised the Peoples Democratic Party delegates to collect moneytary gifts from aspirants but do the right thing for the sake of their future.
Atiku gave the advice on saturday while in Lagos to seek support following his recent declaration to contest the office of the President of Nigeria.
Amid cheers and chants of solidarity, Atiku addressed the party faithful, including present and former Lagos State PDP Chairmen, Local Government Area Chairmen, Youth Leaders, and members of the State Working Committee.
The former Vice President, who presented letters of appeal to each delegate, counseled the youth leaders to seek the progress of the nation and shun aspirants offering to buy their votes.
He reiterated his promise of 40% youth and women representation in his cabinet and expressed his desire to restore a sense of belonging to marginalised Nigerians.
Decrying the state of governance in the nation, he urged the party faithful in Lagos to make the right choice during the 2023 primary election of the party by supporting the most experienced and competent presidential contender.
He said he has a proven track record of leadership, especially in the areas of security, the economy, and infrastructural development.
The former president criticised the Buhari administration, saying the state of the nation is worse than the civil war era.
“Even during the Civil War, it’s never been this bad.
“Now, more than ever, we are so divided, because people across this country have been treated unfairly under the current administration.
“Nigeria has never seen the level of insecurity that we are facing today. I am here because I have the requisite experience to govern this country well and equitably, to give everyone a sense of belonging.
“I am here to appeal to your conscience; you have a historic responsibility to bail out this country,” he said.
“Even during the Civil War, it’s never been this bad. Now, more than ever, we are so divided, because people across this country have been treated unfairly under the current administration,” Atiku stated.
In his opening remarks, the Lagos PDP Chairman, Mr Philip Aivoji, welcomed the PDP presidential aspirant and called on the state delegates to ensure the party wins at all levels during the forthcoming elections.
“I’m glad to receive our presidential candidate. He remains our candidate until we have another congress. All the LGA Chairmen and I are here together as one body.
“ In 2023, by God’s grace, PDP will win all elections, from presidential, House of Representatives, and Senate to governorship and state assembly. In Lagos, everything will be won by the PDP,” Aivoji said.
A former Minister of Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu, in his welcome address, highlighted the track record of the former Vice President, adding that Nigerians have all they need to galvanize their institutional processes and fight their problems.
Speaking to Atiku, he said, “Sir, you have your work cut out for you. We have problems with our security and economy. With economic transformation, the issue of power, insecurity, and the like will be solved.
“With you as president, most of the country’s problems will be taken care of; many people will sleep peacefully and many who have left Nigeria will return home.
“We have one job to do and that is to make sure you are elected president.”
Another PDP chieftain in Lagos, Olumide Thompson, expressed the support of the youth, whom he said represents 70% of the population.
Other party leaders in attendance included former Lagos PDP Chairmen, Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi and Captain Tunji Shelle; PDP Board of Trustees Member Emeritus, Chief Mrs Aduke Maina; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief Mrs Kofoworola Akerele-Bucknor; Member of House of Representatives for Ojo Federal Constituency, Adekunle Obasa; Member of the House of Representatives for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Oghene Egoh.
Others are former members of, the State Caretaker Committee, Mrs Bisi Odunsi; former PDP Women Leaders, Alhaja Atinuke Babs-Olorunkemi and Chief Mrs Onikepo Oshodi; Alhaji Tanwa Odunsi; Wahab Owokoniran; Evang. Israel Ogunrinde; Former State Youth Leader, Niyi Adams; Sumbo Onitiri; Tolani Animashaun; Alhaji Nurudeen Lawal; Sen. Dino Melaye; and Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
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