The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stood down its Presidential mega rally earlier scheduled to hold tomorrow, Saturday, February 9, 2019 following what it said is the refusal by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government and the Buhari Presidency to grant the party access to the venue of the rally.
In a statement issued on Friday night in Abuja, the party maintained that it was denied the use of the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja in spite of the fact that it had made payments to the authorities and obtained official approval to host its mega rally at the venue.
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In the statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, National Publicity Secretary and Director, Media & Publicity PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, the PDP invited Nigerians to document the provocative action against the party and its presidential campaign by the Buhari Presidency and the APC.
The statement added: “It is also instructive to state that we had earlier scheduled our Lagos Mega Rally for the Tafawa Balewa Square on Saturday until the Buhari Presidency and the APC came up with same date forcing our campaign to opt for Abuja.
“We hope they will allow the Lagos Rally to hold on Tuesday.
“The PDP holds that these provocative actions, instead of deterring Nigerians from their determination to vote out President Buhari on February 16, has only succeeded in spurring more compatriots to support the people’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to victory
“The PDP appreciates the commitment of Nigerians, particularly, those who have already converged on Abuja for this mega rally.
“While we regret the inconveniences caused by the insensitive action of the Buhari Presidency and APC, we wish to inform that a rescheduled date for the rally will be communicated soon.”