By Alaba Olusola Oke
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday received Mr Eyitayo Jegede, a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, and other PDP members into the his party.
Jegede contested the Ondo governorship election in 2016 and 2020 on the platform of the PDP.
Speaking in Akure while receiving Jegede and the other PDP members into ADC, Atiku promised to reverse what he described as Nigeria’s economic decline and restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027.
He promised that the ADC would present Nigerians with an alternative economic direction, stating that his administration would revisit policies affecting the welfare and economic wellbeing of citizens.
“We are not here to campaign but to welcome our brother to ADC. When we come back, we will tell you what we have for you and your generation to come, and we have been doing that.
“We are going to restore fuel subsidy,” he said.
The former vice president also recalled the economic performance of the country between 1999 and 2007, when he served alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He claimed that Nigeria was then regarded as the largest economy in Africa, but said the country had since experienced a decline.
“We took Nigeria to be the first economy in Africa. Today we are number five. Who are responsible for taking us down? Is it not APC?” Atiku said.
He consequently called on Nigerians to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Atiku added that an ADC administration would prioritise security, arguing that economic development could not be sustained in an environment where citizens and businesses felt unsafe.
“Secondly, we are committed to restoring security all over this country. No part of this country will feel insecure anymore,” he said.
Abubakar urged ADC supporters to ensure effective mobilisation and protection of votes, citing the experience of the recent Osun State governorship election.
He described Jegede’s defection to the ADC as a welcome development and expressed confidence in the support the former PDP governorship candidate commanded in the state.
The former vice president said the gathering was not a campaign rally but a reception for Jegede and his associates who had joined the ADC.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of ADC, Sen. David Mark, who was represented by the party National Secretary, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, asked members and supporters of the party to mobilise people to vote for the party in the 2027 elections.
Speaking, Jegede asked people of the state to embrace ADC, promising that the party would give Nigerians true dividends of democracy.
He said that the country was going through hardship that seemed unbearable for Nigerians, hence the need to move to ADC to rescue the country.
Others at the event include Mr Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Kwara governor; and Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State governor.
(NAN)
