THE Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has adopted the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its choice for the coming election.
The movement led by Chief Dapo Ajewole met in Abuja on Friday where the resolution to support the former Vice President was taken.
Chief Dubem Onyia moved the motion for his adoption which was carried unanimously by delegates present.
In his address earlier, Lagos politician, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, had chastised President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for stopping the Lagos Metro rail in his time as military head of state.
It was conceptualised by the first executive governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
Sarunmi advised Nigerians to, in the next 50 years, shun ex-military men who seek political power.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the PDM said after careful consideration of the state of things in the country, it has come to the inevitable conclusion that Atiku, who it said is one of its own, is the right person to become president.
The communique stated: “It is noteworthy to point out that even though membership in this political family cuts across all the major political parties in the country, it has always been our prayers that one of our own be given the opportunity to showcase our outstanding leadership qualities irrespective of the political parties that throws up such a candidate for as long as he/she is a member of the political family.
“To this end, and with the 2019 presidential election exactly a week away, it has become incumbent on us, as founding members of the Yar’Adua Political Family (PDM), to lend our voice to the conversations around the epochal electoral contest.
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“We are conscious of our position as proud members of the oldest political organisation in contemporary Nigeria and it is noteworthy to say that this particular election cycle presents itself as a test to the virility of democratic governance in our country.
“After extensive consultations with members of our group, we, therefore, make the following proclamations:
“That the tension that has been generated by the 2019 elections is getting to a disturbing proportion and we call on all actors in the electoral process to ensure that peace ensues before, during and after the elections.
“We call on the security operatives to be impartial and to focus on their main mandate of preserving and protecting the lives and property of every Nigeria and foreigners alike.
“That politician should refrain from making insidious statements and anyone caught going against this should be duly prosecuted.
“That after careful observation of the socio-economic situation in the country, we have come to the inevitable conclusion of endorsing the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar as our consensus candidate.
“That we demand of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complies strictly with the provisions of the relevant laws in its conduct of the upcoming series of elections.
“That election monitor groups and other watchdog agencies in the conduct of the election must conduct themselves above board and ensure a hitch-free election on February 16 and on March 2, 2019.
“That Voters should as well conduct themselves in an orderly manner by casting their votes and be willing to stand to protect their votes.
“We believe that the 2019 election is a landmark opportunity for Nigeria to take a decision for the growth of the nation’s economy and, consequently, the general prosperity of all Nigerians.
“To this end, therefore, we will continue to mobilise support for the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar and we as well urge all Nigerians to look at the condition of the country today in relation to the economy, unemployment, foreign affairs and other sectors and vote overwhelmingly for Atiku to get Nigeria working again.”
The communique was signed by Hon (South East), Chief Bode Ajewole (South West), Chief Ejiofor Onyia (South-South), Dr Bala Ahmed Tafida (North Central), Alhaji Kabir Bawa (North East), Barr Fatima Abba (North West), and Dapo Sarumi (Chairman).
The PDM was formed on August 2nd, 1987 under the able leadership of late former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters and Tafidan Katsina and former Major Gen Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
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