Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, said that if he were to become the nation’s next leader, he would undertake the extensive restructuring that the people of the country’s south-west geopolitical zone have been calling for.
Atiku made the statement on Thursday while speaking to a crowd of thousands of Oyo state residents and party leaders who had gathered in front of Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state’s capital, for his presidential campaign rally.
While lamenting the neglect of the south west, which has long called for restructuring, the former vice president promised that the country would undergo the restructuring that the people have been calling for would be implemented when he gets to power in May this year.
Atiku alleged that the current government at the federal level has failed to restructure the country, despite the fact that the people of the region have been clamouring for it over the years.
While pledging the people that his administration would implement what the current government has failed to do, Atiku noted that his administration will give more powers to states and local government areas.
He added that restructuring of the country will be one of the cardinal points of his administration.
According to him, “I will restructure Nigeria. Restructuring of the country will be achieved during my time. By restructuring, we mean giving more powers and autonomy to the states and local government areas.
“It will be one of the pillars of my government. They have failed to implement it. Vote them out. Vote them out completely.
“From top to bottom, vote for PDP, from bottom to top, vote for PDP. We thank you very much. Vote for PDP so that together, we can match to progress”.
Some of the chieftains of the party who were at the PDP campaign in the state included the Vice Presidential candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, his predecessor, Prince Uche Secondus, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state and his counterpart from Balyesa, Douye Diri, former governor of Kogi and Osun states; Idris Wada and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola respectively and Mrs. Titi Abubakar Atiku.
Others are Senator Dino Melaye, former Vice President, Architect Nnamadi Sambo, former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, Hon. Indidi Elumelu, Abdul Ningi, former governor of Adamawa state, Bonie Haruna, former governor of Cross River, Lyel Imoke, former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Senator Philip Aduda, Chief Wole Oyelese, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Hazeem Gbolarumi, Prof Abiodun Raufu and others.
