29th November, 2010
Just a few weeks to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in which a presidential aspirant would be picked by the party to contest the 2011 election, some civil society groups have warned Nigerians against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Alhaji Atiku was picked as the consensus candidate of the north among four other candidates by the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) headed by former Minister of Finance, Adamu Ciroma.
Since then, several groups have continued to caution Nigerians against the man they alleged does not have the pedigree to rule the country. They also contend that Alhaji Atiku lacks focus.
The Anti-Babangida Coalition has said it would do everything within its power to frustrate the ambition of Atiku, adding that it would not allow a corrupt-minded person to lead the country.
According to the group led by Biodun Sowunmi, “the decision of the NPLF to arrogate to itself the right to determine who should aspire to rule us is condemnable. The idea of sectionalising candidates as done by the committee is a blow to our unity, but it also raises the issue of true federalism.
“The choice of Atiku is worrisome. Our coalition warns Nigerians and all political parties to be wary of presenting Atiku as a candidate in the next elections.
“After the embarrassment inflicted on Nigeria by the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, who lied to Nigerians and emerged governor in clear violation of our constitution, we wish to caution against the nomination of a presidential aspirant who may have to face charges in the USA soon over the Siemens bribery and corruption scandal,†the group said adding that Atiku’s emergence would be a huge risk to the country.
—Eromosele Ebhomele
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