Defeated presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, Atiku Abubakar has expressed confidence that he will reclaim his alleged stolen mandate at the court.
He, therefore, referred to the President Bola
Tinubu-led APC administration as a “temporary government”.
Atiku Abubakar who addressed elected
officials of the PDP during a stakeholders meeting held at the Government House
Banquet Hall in Bauchi on Saturday, charged members of the National Assembly of
the PDP not to be “rubber stamp members of the National Assembly”.
He added; “You are there to serve as a
formidable opposition to this temporary administration.”
According to him, “Based on the results
announced by the INEC and pending the determination of electoral challenges in
the court, our members elect are not the majority in the National Assembly.
“So, for the time being, they have to prepare
to work as an effective, constructive opposition while also preparing for
possible roles of the majority party when the cases are resolved. A Government
in waiting, so to speak.”
Atiku Abubakar stressed that, “In the
recently concluded elections, our party campaigned on specific things,
Nigerians are therefore expecting you to work on how to fulfil those campaign
promises. That you are not among the INEC selected members is not an excuse not
to perform, you must collectively work to put the temporary government on the right
direction to serve Nigerians. Don’t be part of rubber stamp.”
He continued; “As you know, the PDP remains
the only political party that is led by all its members, not a political party
that is led by a few political godfathers. No one individual or group of people
are bigger than the party in the PDP. You are Representatives of the party, do
not be tempted to leave your party just because of INEC induced temporary
setback.
“In the end, the truth shall triumph over
falsehood and evil. Therefore, you must please remain resolute, do not work in
isolation from one another, you are a team and should always work to together
as a team in order to achieve meaningful results and also remain connected to
your roots, your constituents and other stakeholders.”
The former Vice President explained that,
“Retreat such as this, is like a meeting you will have with someone or a group
about to embark on a very important journey or mission.”
“It is to discuss what we expect from the
journey, how to prepare adequately for that journey including pieces of advise
on how to handle various challenges that might be encountered along the way and
also at the destination,” he further added.
He, however, charged the members-elect not to
lose hope.
“Don’t ever lose hope, the role of the
opposition is holding the government in majority party to account. And in doing
so, you demonstrate that you and your party are ready to govern at the shortest
possible time,” he said.
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