I have been serving Nigerians since I joined politics 30 years ago — Atiku Abubakar

… As about 1,640 APC members decamp to PDP in Adamawa

By Ridwan Adekunle

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said he has been rendering service to the people of Nigeria for the past 30 years.

“I have been serving the people since I joined politics 30 years ago and that is my promise to you all today. I believe that Governor Fintiri has done a good job and that we should join hands to make sure he wins his second term election,” Abubakar said.

The Former Vice President of Nigeria disclosed this when he led chieftains of the PDP including former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and National Chairman of PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu among others to receive decampees of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa into PDP.

The decampees were received at the Ribadu Square in Yola.

Atiku told the two state House of Assembly members and about 1,640 others defecting mostly from APC that the umbrella which the party typifies is big and strong enough for every member, assuring the thousands who swarmed the Ribadu Square venue for the event that he is in politics and is seeking to lead the country to give service.

“It’s been over 30 years that you have been supporting me in politics. I don’t take your support for granted. God bless you. I love you all,” he told the cheering crowd.

On his part, Ayu said that the rate at which members are decamping from the APC to the PDP is increasing by the day and an indication that the opposition party is waxing stronger.

“It is clear everywhere that the PDP is back. Today, we are here to take in new members into the PDP. Very soon, this venue shall be hosting the President of Nigeria who is your very own son.

“I welcome the new entrants to our party and I therefore hand them over to Governor Fintiri. I urge the governor to continue with his good work in making Adamawa better than he met it,” he said.

Also speaking, Governor Fintiri said Adamawa is a PDP state and would lead efforts to deliver the presidency to son of the soil Atku Abubakar.

While speaking on behalf of the supporters and over 160,000 decampees in various electoral wards across the state, Hon. Shuaibu Babbbas, a member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly from Fufore Gurin constituency affirmed their loyalty and commitment to the PDP in its quest to oust the APC and fix the broken state of the country’s socio-economic and political fabrics.

Earlier, Atiku was received with an electrifying welcome at the Yola International Airport, where he had proceeded to the palace of the Lamido Adamawa, HRH Aliyu Musdafa on a courtesy visit.

In his speech at the Lamido’s palace, Atiku said that his presentation to the Lamido as the presidential candidate of the PDP gives him a sense of  wistfulness because his political career would not have attained this mark but for the prayers and support that he enjoys from the Lamido, his palace and the entire state.

“I am an ambassador of this palace, Adamawa State and Nigeria. I am appreciative of the reception I received today which is historic and I am promising you that I will represent you and the entire Nigeria well in the assignment ahead of me as your worthy son.”

In his reaction, the Lamido said that he was pleased and proud to welcome Atiku home after his emergence as the presidential candidate of a major political party.

He said, “Your triumph is not just a victory for this Emirate but the country at large as we continue to provide good leadership. I will implore you to use your experience in the task ahead of you.

“As a detribalized Nigerian, I am confident of your capacity to lead the nation. Your investment in human capital development is a good example of your contribution to the society. I pray that the Almighty remains with you as you strive to become the next president of this country.”