Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have boycotted Governor Seyi Makinde by organising a rally for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The chieftains, who include Elder Wole Oyelese, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide and a former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, said the G-5 crisis is between the governors and the National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, not with Atiku.
Oyelese, who led others in addressing reporters on behalf of the group, said Atiku was the most qualified among the leading presidential candidates, judging by his experience and pedigree as a detribalised Nigerian.
The former minister said the chieftains and PDP members in the state were determined to ensure Atiku’s victory in the February 25 election.
The rally, tagged ‘Freedom Walk’, will start at Total Garden area of the capital city and terminate at the historic Mapo Hall where party leaders will address PDP supporters and others on why they should mobilise and vote for Atiku in the election.
He said: “PDP is the strongest and most popular party in Oyo State and Nigeria. We are confident PDP will sweep all the positions in the forthcoming election. Atiku won in Oyo State in 2019 and we believe he will win by landslide this time.
People have seen the difference between PDP and APC governments. During PDP government, the economy was far better than what it is today.
Another four years of APC will throw Nigeria into the throes. Atiku will salvage Nigeria. He is experienced and will hit the ground running from the first day. He is detribalised, a pan-Nigerian. He has the best ideas on how to rescue Nigeria.”
Answering questions from reporters, Gbolarumi said Atiku would win the election with or without the G-5 governors. He assured the people that Makinde will not announce support for any other presidential candidate when he launches his campaign today.