The Presidency has said no amount of plot against President Muhammadu Buhari in this month’s presidential elections will stand.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
The position came against the backdrop of endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate Atiku Abubakar by some socio-cultural groups in Abuja yesterday.
The group include; Afenifere for the South-west led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Middle Belt Forum for the North-central represented by Dr Bitrus Pogu, Ohaneaze Ndigbo for the South-east led by Chief Nnia Nwodo, Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for the North led by Professor Ango Abdullahi and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) for the South-south led by Chief Edwin Clark.
Other leaders in attendance are Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Professor ABC Nwosu, Alhaji Buba Galadima, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Dr Junaid Muhammed and a host of others.
‘They‘ll fail again’
Dismissing the endorsement, Shehu said: “The Peoples Democratic Party is hiding in the bunker of ethnicity to avoid their inevitable defeat but that won’t change anything.
“The current scenario resembles efforts to stop Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 by the same characters. It is an effort to repeat the old experiment that failed is 2015.
“They failed to stop him from coming to power in 2015 and they will fail yet again on February 16th.
“If all these groups are ganging up against one person, that is President Buhari, it tells you who is the formidable candidate in the election.
“This gang up they forged, one more time will change nothing. It is for the people to decide.”
It’s a fraud –Buhari Campaign
Also in a reaction, the APC Presidential Campaign Council rejected the endorsement which it described as a PDP-organised fraud.
Campaign Spokesman Festus Keyamo said leaders of the various groups were only members of the PDP endorsing their party.
He said: “We read, with amusement, two developments in the press today which underscore the desperate situation Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself right now. These developments are the so-called PDP-induced ‘endorsement’ of its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar by a few individuals claiming, albeit falsely, to represent their respective regions. These are PANDEF, Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Ohaneze Ndigbo, a tiny fraction of Afenifere and Middle Belt Forum and certain projections by a section of the press that give the impression that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is in some kind of a tight race with President Muhammadu Buhari in respect of the 2019 presidential election.
“Firstly, as regards the endorsements by the above-named socio-cultural groups, there is no fraud bigger than that of known PDP members and/or hardened PDP sympathisers wearing the apparel of socio-cultural groups, purporting to represent entire regions and endorsing their own political party.
The impression given through these endorsements that PDP is expanding its support base is also an attempt to deceive Nigerians because these are groups that supported PDP in 2015 and lost the election along with PDP.
“Therefore, their excuse that they are supporting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar because of the bogey called ‘restructuring’ is nothing but a subterfuge. In any case, Ohaneze had said in its earlier release that the first reason they are endorsing Atiku Abubakar is that his running mate is an Ibo man.
“In the past, it used to be that some of these individuals have used the names of these groups and platforms to purport to represent their people and as such enjoyed huge government patronage. The proceeds of this patronage have never trickled down to their people they purport to represent, but ended up in their pockets and benefitted only their immediate families. This is in perfect tune with the campaign promise of Atiku Abubakar to enrich only his friends. Therefore, like bees and honey, these people and Atiku Abubakar are attracted to themselves.
“Unfortunately for them, President Muhammadu Buhari has managed to navigate his way directly to the masses who they purport to represent and is ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people directly. Their annoyance is that they have been eliminated as middlemen. That is why the bond between the masses and President Muhammadu Buhari continue to grow on a daily basis.
“The curious question we ask is that, where were these social-cultural groups all these years when the PDP squandered our resources and failed to develop critical infrastructure in their respective regions? Are they saying that they are satisfied with the level of developments of infrastructure in their respective regions during the 16 years of PDP rule?
“Where is the outrage of these socio-cultural groups as the Buhari administration has so far recovered from PDP members and their allies a total of nearly N800billion, 407 mansions, 259 automobiles, farmlands, filling stations, etc – all belonging to the Nigerian people? Where is their outrage? Instead they are endorsing these same set of people who perpetrated this evil against the Nigerian people.”
“Secondly, as to the voodoo percentages allocated to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in some voodoo projections by some media houses (which should have since changed their crests to the umbrella – the symbol of the PDP), it is laughable to see them project a tight race between President Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“For instance, we note with amusement the clear lead given to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the South-east, just because his running mate is from the region, but fail to see that same clear advantage given to President Buhari in the South-west from where the vice president comes.
“It is also fraudulent to project the reduction in the advantage the president has always enjoyed in his traditional base, but fail to see the massive inroads the president has also made into the traditional bases of the PDP. These and many other funny and fraudulent projections are what we know the PDP is using to prepare the ground to rubbish the electoral process which its leaders know is an insurmountable mountain for them to climb. They are, therefore, going for broke.
“We want to alert Nigerians to be firm and unwavering in their resolve not to go back to the vomit which they spewed forth in the shape of PDP in 2015. Nigerians have seen through the PDP and its Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (who has been described by his former employer in the most debasing language ever found on print) and Nigerians can no longer be deceived.
“We are confident that in a few days’ time, the PDP will be put where it rightly belongs by the good people of Nigeria – the dustbin of history.”
‘Buhari‘ll win landslide’
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and secretary, Forward with Buhari (FWB), Dr.Kayode Ajulo has declared that the APC candidate Buhari would win in over 30 states of the federation during next month’s poll.
Ajulo gave the assurance in a chat with journalists in Abuja Saturday, saying his position was based on well-researched information gathered on the field ahead of the 2019 general elections.
The group had earlier said the initiative was aimed at checkmating vote rigging across the nation, and that Buhari’s main challenger will not even win in his home state of Adamawa.
“We intend to give Buhari maximum votes, what distinguishes us is that as an independent campaign group, our members cut across the various parties and interest groups and with the coordination of the governors as inspired by Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state, we have penetrated all the 36 states, 774 local governments, 8, 809 wards, and the entire 119, 973 polling units in Nigeria.
“Our formulae are solid, the governors, political and community leaders hold the ace in this election and we will back them to make the re-election a success.
“We have also found out too, although I won’t like to reveal most of our strategies, as only a retard Army General that doesn’t understand his commission would reveal his strategy. We want to ensure that those who have not been voting are encouraged to vote, and in that way discourage voter apathy.
“In most of the previous general election only 30-35 per cent of the registered voters who have permanent voters cards voted. Where are the other 70 per cent or there about? It is our duty to look for them, go for them and ensure that they vote.”
We’ll floor Atiku –Support group
Also, the Presidential Support Committee (PSC) has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring victory for President Buhari, saying PDP Candidate Atiku would be defeated.
National Publicity Secretary of the PSC Kailani Muhammed gave the assurance during the inauguration of the zonal excos of the PSC in Kaduna at the weekend.
He said Atiku and his group would be beaten at the poll because the Buhari-led administration has done much to deserve re-election.
Also, PSC Katsina State Coordinator Bala Saulawa promised the group would garner five million votes for Buhari in the state.
Kailani said:”Some people were at the helm of affairs for 16 years with nothing to show for it, and in less than four years, this administration has improved on the agricultural sector, which is now contributing 16 per cent to the Nigerian GDP.
“This government has also improved on the infrastructure across the country, and this is an indication that President Buhari can do better in the next four years. We are going to double our efforts in ensuring that we deliver more votes for President Buhari compared to what we did in 2015.”
Atiku’s endorsement
But the socio-cultural groups insisted their support for Atiku in the polls remained unshaken. The regions’ leaders also declared President Buhari as grossly “unfit, divisive and dictatorial.”
They took the position at a Summit of the Forum of Nigerian Elders and Leaders yesterday in Abuja.
In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the forum acknowledged the existence of younger and highly qualified candidates, but advanced reasons for its choice of Atiku.
“The Forum, having concluded a thorough evaluation of all candidates aspiring to lead our nation thorough its current challenges and engineer genuine national rebirth, has decided to note that several of the younger candidates who presented themselves for the Presidential election demonstrated great capacity and promise to lead this country creditably and ensure that it engenders proper social and economic development to its people.
“However most of these qualified younger candidates do not, at present, have the machinery and structures to win a Presidential election in Nigeria at present.
“Therefore, the Forum adopts the candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Consensus Candidate for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as he has demonstrated the deep understanding of the critical need of the country at this time and possesses the capacity to proffer clear solutions in that respect.
“Calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic background to stand in unison and vote for Atiku Abubakar on the 16th February, 2019 and ensure that they defend their votes.”
The forum said having maintained informed vigilance over all developments towards the forthcoming 2019 general elections, it had outlined its views on the qualities of leaders that should aspire and seek its support and votes.
“These include a demonstrated commitment to the democratic process, a transparent willingness to address the structural foundations of our nation in a manner that should ensure greater political unity and economic development for all Nigerians, and the courage and competence to secure the nation from multiple and varied threats among others.
“Having noted the continued drift of the country in the direction of insecurity, deep divisions and tyranny as shown in the recent unilateral sacking of the chief justice of the country against all globally known democratic ethos, etc;
“Having closely followed the competition for mandates within the various political parties as well as the campaigns for the votes of Nigerians so far, including four weeks of close interactions and interviews with nearly all the aspirants for the position of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the various parties. We make the following observations:
“The forthcoming elections are vital to our desire to live together in a democratic nation that reflects our aspirations, of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, practice of true federalism.
“There is solid national and international consensus that the 2019 elections must be credible, and improve on the quality of the 2019 elections.
“There is assurance from INEC of its willingness and ability to conduct free and fair elections, but it must be watched very closely and supported to set new, higher standards in election management and that undue pressure from any quarters does not truncate its efforts.
“The political and security environment are central to the conduct of credible and peaceful elections. So far, the pronouncements of major contenders regarding the use of violence and willingness to accept outcomes of credible elections are being severely tested in practice. The disposition of state agents that have responsibility for securing our votes has also been a major source of concern.
“These last few days before the first set of elections will test the federal government’s undertaking and assurances to protect Nigerians as they prepare to participate in the elections, as well as create a level playing field for all parties and candidates. The federal government must therefore ensure that no one, no matter their roles or status, should be allowed to behave as if there were no consequences for subverting the electoral process or threatening the rights of all Nigerians to participate in free and fair elections.
“Conscious of its mandate and after exhaustive deliberation, the Forum reminds all Nigerians that the forthcoming elections are about the type of nation we need as adults and those for whom we have responsibilities. Not since 1999 have we been challenged with the power to shape our future as these elections do; reminds the nation of its earlier position that the best candidates who should lead us are those who have the following qualities:
“A clear understanding of the nation’s security challenges and a strong will and commitment to tackle them decisively and comprehensively;
“Capable, intelligent, physical and mentally alert persons that understand the issues and will once more restore Nigerian international standing and respect.
“A strong will to improve the quality of governance, including the rebuilding of key and strategic national institutions; to ensure inclusiveness is reflected in all political and governance matters; to fight corruption as a national scourge with transparent commitment; and to pursue policies that address the needs of a nation with a huge population of young people who need quality education and opportunities to participate as productive adults in a thriving economy.”
In their individual remarks, the leaders said Buhari administration has become very divisive and should be voted out.
Co-chairman of the forum and NEF leader, Prof Abdullahi said the forum had since 2015 tried to get the Buhari Presidency to amend its ways, but to no avail.
He said the group had secretly advised the president on the areas that needed correction, and that it was after exhausting the behind-the-scene approaches that it decided to now call him out.
Aligning NEF’s position with those of others, he said his group “insists on an earlier resolution taken over a year ago that northern politicians that have failed in office should not expect to be voted back to power in 2019.”
Chairman of the forum and leader of PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark warned partisans not to think that the group was out for pecuniary or any selfish interest, saying when it comes to governance and holding positions, they had seen it all.
He said “Nigerians need a capable, intelligent, physically fit leader who has the focus and experience that the outside world will recognize without making mockery of us.”
Miyetti Allah backs Atiku
Similarly, the North-east Miyetti Allah has disowned President Buhari, saying he cost its members their dignity.
Leader of the group Mafindi Umaru Danburam stated the position yesterday in Yola during a visit to the PDP governorship candidate in Adamawa state, Ahmed Umar Fintiri.
He dissociated his colleagues from the reported endorsement of Buhari by its national body, the reason he said he resigned his appointment as its leader.
“Miyetti Allah had, at no time, sat to decide which presidential candidate to support.
“I resigned my office as North-east leader of Miyetti Allah since news broke about the purported endorsement of President Buhari by our national body. So we’re here to tell the world that if someone is priding himself as a Fulani man, Atiku is more, because he occupies the revered stool of the second in command at Adamawa emirate as the Waziri.
“If someone prides himself as a Fulani herder, Atiku is more, because he owns more than 1,000 heads of cattle, compared to 150.”
In a similar comment, another leader of the group, Mohammed Ango, said: “Fulani people have lost more dignity under the Buhari administration than any other in history. Today, our people are branded as killers, branded as kidnappers or robbers, just because some people are misrepresenting us.
“Before now, the relationship between herders and farmers was not this bad; we can all attest to this. Our people, for instance, could pass the night in the house of say a Bachama man in Numan, but now all that has been eroded.”
Receiving the group, Mr. Fintiri commended the group and asked them not to key into the ‘deceitful’ tendencies of the APC.
