The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife at his palace, the cradle of Yoruba culture in Osun State.
The presidential flag bearer shared his vision for the country with the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
Atiku was accompanied on the visit by his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke and Atiku’s wife,
Titi_Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking at the monarch’s palace, the politician said he is competent and capable of leading the country in 2023 due to his achievements as the former Vice President between 1999 to 2007.
Atiku also called on Nigerians to elect the opposition party in the 2023 elections and send the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of Aso Rock.
The presidential hopeful said the country witnessed its greatest growth, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence when the PDP was in power for 16 years.
He said: “You’ll all recall that from 1999 to 2015, Nigeria witnessed its greatest growth, biggest prosperity, and peaceful coexistence during the PDP era.
“We believe it is time for you, the people of this country to give us another opportunity again so that we can restore the unity of this country.
“So that we can secure this country again, make the nation more prosperous than any other country in the continent of Africa.
“If the mandate is given to PDP, the unity, peace and stability will be achieved across the nation which will lead to government of national unity.”
Atiku also reiterated his plan to restructure the country if elected president in 2023, noting that it is the only way to guarantee growth and progress.
He said: “It is only when we have peaceful coexistence in the country unity that we’ll be able to undertake most of our cardinal programmes.
“And one of the cardinal programmes that we promise people of this country is to restructure this nation, some people are saying that how can a northerner restructure this country.
“But let me take you to this memory lane that Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and late Murtala Mohammed, all achieved their plans of restructuring this country.”
The PDP presidential flagbearer added that his administration will amend the constitution to give power to all traditional rulers, states, and local government councils.
He said: “We’ll also ensure that the National Assembly amends the constitution to give power to all traditional rulers
“I’ve not come here in this palace to campaign but I am here to give respect to your Royal Highness.”
Video of their arrival at the Ooni’s palace:
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