A support group of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the party to commence a search for an acceptable presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The group, known as the PDP Action 2023, gave the advice in a statement by its Chairman, Dr Rufus Omeire, in Abuja on Wednesday.
“It is time for PDP to begin the search for another acceptable candidate. A candidate that projects incorruptibility, honesty, simplicity, capacity, accessibility and ability to govern.
“A candidate that will not abandon the masses. A candidate that will unite Nigeria, solve the security challenges, restore peace in the land and take the country to greater economic heights. Nigerians are waiting and looking up to PDP.
“Bottom line, PDP must shine their eyes this time around to ensure victory at the polls. PDP Action 2023 will help ensure that this happens.”
Omeire said that what Nigerians were looking for was not just a candidate with financial capability but who could earn their trust.
Omeire, who had earlier advised the party Presidential Candidate for 2019, Atiku Abubakar, not to re-contest, said it was time to quit the stage.
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He said if PDP gives Abubakar another chance as its presidential candidate, the party will be defeated again in the 2023 election.
He said that Abubakar would be better playing a role as elder statesmen as the group earlier suggested.
Omeire recalled that in 2019 election, Abubakar lost in all the North West States, lost in four of the six North East States where he hails from.
He said that Abubakar also lost in virtually all the South-West and North Central States and got a slim victory in South East and South South States.
“In fact, he won in his home state of Adamawa with only 32,000 votes!”
“It is not the culture in the North and Nigerians to vote for very wealthy businessmen to lead. Examples abound. Sir Ahmadu Bello, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Shehu Shagari, Umaru Musa Yar’adua and Olusegun Obasanjo. These are not men of financial wealth. They are simple, honest and decent Nigerians who deserved the support of Northerners and Nigerians.”
Omeire also speaking on Abubakar’s reaction to his allegation that he abandoned the party and Nigerians after 2019 general election for Dubai, said he was surprised that Abubakar attributed his long stay out of Nigeria to acquiring a Degree from Cambridge University, London.
He said that if Abubakar enrolled in the University of Cambridge, for a part-time course, he could have as well done the programme from Nigeria. (NAN)
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