Atiku emerges Northern Consensus Candidate
The Northern faction within the ruling People�s Democratic Party [PDP] has agreed on former vice president Atiku Abubakar as a consensus candidate to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan in primaries ahead of elections come April 2011.
"He has been chosen as the consensus candidate that will run against the president in the (ruling) People's Democratic Party primaries," Abubakar's campaign spokesman Garba Shehu told journalist after a meeting by the Adamu Ciroma lead committee.
Alhaji Bello Sabo, Secretary of the Forum at a news Conference in Abuja also said, �After due consideration, we were able to come up with a consensus candidate. The person chosen by these wisemen is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar".
The Consensus Committee of the Northern Elders Political Forum said in a communique made avaialable to Channels Television "We are glad and proud that we have finally arrived at this outcome after several weeks of hard work and wide consultations. We are proud because of the unusual honour and extraordinary privilege given us by the four gentlemen who placed their political destinies in our hands. We are humbled by the strength of their faith. We appreciate their humility and cooperation. We have been reassured by all of them that they will work together to enable ATIKU ABUBAKAR clinch their party�s ticket in the presidential primaries".
"We thank all Nigerians, supporters and critics alike for their views over these past several weeks. While we note these views and respect each one of them, we insist that no individual, organization or society dreaming of success and greatness can achieve these dreams without respect for others and honouring agreements voluntarily entered into. This is especially so where these agreements have been transformed into a binding document, a constitution, which governs the conduct of those who subscribe to it".
The group also said it is calling on all Nigerians to reflect on its choice, "We also call on all delegates to the forthcoming party conventions to take these into account while casting votes". The consensus group said.
In an acceptance speech by the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar said he is humbled by this endorsement, and "I accept it wholeheartedly, with humility and sense of responsibility". Atiku said.
The former VP acknowledged that the process of making him the consensus candidate to represent the north came through wide-ranging and painstaking consultations across the length and breath of the country.
"I commend the Consensus Committee for this endorsement and for their sacrifice, their patriotism, their commitment and their integrity. They have made an important contribution to the unity and stability of this country.
"I am profoundly grateful to the other aspirants who were screened by the Consensus Committee for their commitment to the consensus process. All three of them, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former National Security Adviser, General Mohamed Aliyu Gusau, and Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State, are
eminently qualified for the office of President. Their decision to abide by the decision of the Consensus Committee is a further testimony to their patriotism, honour, service and selflessness. Nigerians will forever remain grateful to
them for their contribution to the peace, unity and stability of this country. I will continue to count on their support in the campaign to win the PDP primaries and the 2011 Presidential election". Atiku said.
Atiku also commends Nigerians for, in his own words "their patience, understanding, support and prayers. I shall need the support of all as I seek the mandate to be the flag-bearer of the PDP in the 2011 Presidential election".
He noted that this is a time for sober reflection on the challenges facing the country and the immense opportunities that exist and to address them.
"I hope, Atiku said, "that the conclusion of this consensus process will mark an end to the divisive politics which our opponents have been promoting. In the days ahead I shall be addressing the press, and will continue to unfold my agenda for providing good governance and building a new Nigeria for all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious or sectarian affiliations. With your support and prayers we shall make good things happen".
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] has been advised to stay clear of internal politics in political parties.
Senator Dahiru Awai Kuta who was speaking against the backdrop of comments credited to INEC that it will not recognized any illegal consensus candidate for the 2011 election added that the consensus candidate is an internal party arrangement which the electoral should not concern itself with.
Senator Kuta also added that the party will adopt due process in the emergence of its flag bearer in the presidentaial polls.
He expressed optimism that the northern elders who were to disclose who their consensus candidate will be, will swing in the favour of his kinsman, General Ibrahim Babangida, who he says is the right candidate for the post of president
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by kksenior
Bookmarks