The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, insisted that the Igbo could only produce the Nigerian President after he has had a shot at the office.
The former Nigerian Vice President, who spoke in Enugu during his campaign rally said, “When I came to Enugu a few months ago for a town hall meeting, I told you that I am going to be the stepping stone to an Igbo President. And I mean that statement.
“Whether from the South-East or South-South, I am going to make sure that an Igbo becomes President after me as President because the Igbo is a universal race. That’s why I chose an Igbo man from Delta as my running mate.
“As you can see, Nigeria is geared towards a PDP government. So, the next Federal Government is going to be formed by the PDP. I appeal to Enugu people to make sure that you remain in the PDP so that you be in the mainstream and be part of that government.”
He expressed happiness with the crowd of supporters that welcomed him to the event, saying it was evident that the state was for the PDP.
But Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who is one of the G-5 governors aggrieved with Atiku, was absent at the campaign rally.
However, deputy governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecelia Ezeilo; members of the State Working Committee of the party; member representing Enugu North, Senator Chukwuka Utazi; deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives, Toby Okechukwu; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi, and other notable personalities in the state were in attendance.
But Atiku caused a stir at the event held at Michael Okpara Square, when he snubbed the deputy governor, when she approached to greet him.
Ijalaye said INEC has put necessary measures in place, including training of security personnel to make sure that the coming election is hitch-free.
He noted that the commission has equally sensitised community leaders to assist the INEC officials in getting voters involved in checking their exact polling units.
He said “Security personnel have been trained to keep peace during the elections. The commission has sent a soft copy of voters register to all the cleared political parties in the state.
“We appeal to all political parties to educate their followers on the need to allow peace to reign and know that election is not a do die affair.
“We seek the indulgence of the people of Ogun state to please cooperate with us on the days of election. Vote peacefully, promote peaceful elections and ensure that peace prevails even after results are announced.
Apart from political parties , others in attendance at the stakeholders forum were civil Society Organisations, security agencies, traditional rulers, human rights bodies and representatives of political parties.
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