Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that the APC would ensure an open and fair contest among all its members vying for the party’s ticket ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Atiku, who spoke with some newsmen shortly after his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday, noted that it was important that the APC makes the Adamawa election a case study in political transparency through effective application of the party’s internal democracy mechanism before, during and post election periods.
He said further that given the fact the APC is a party to beat in Adamawa State and that all the contenders for the party’s ticket are his political allies, it is imperative on him as a democrat and law abiding party man and leader to remain neutral in the primaries and allow due process to be followed.
“The governorship election is very crucial to the electioneering future and fortune of Nigerian politics. This is the more reason why the APC wants to re-build the country equitably, fairly and justly. I have always been an advocate of internal democracy in political party system and now is the time to practice what we preach. Only a level playing field can sustain and maintain unity, security and prosperity for all and sundry,” the Turaki Adamawa said.
He continued: “APC is the party to beat in Adamawa State; and all the contenders for the party’s ticket are my close political associates. Therefore, it is imperative for me to ensure a high sense of neutrality in this situation and allow the followership of the party take a decision on who should be their candidate.
“The culture of imposition of candidates and its concomitant impunity is now old fashioned and unacceptable in our democracy. You may recall that I have been in the vanguard of safeguarding true democracy by challenging obstacles to justice and fair-play in the past. I even went to court severally to protect our hard-won political freedom. I will continue to lead with others in the race to unseat this inept and incompetent PDP maladministration which has thrown Nigerians into an era of depression, frustration and desperation.”
Speaking on the dismissal of the impeachment plot against Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State by the Panel constituted by the state’s Chief Judge, the former Vice President said this was a real life vindication of the APC as a party that creates and cherishes good governance.
“The era where a political super power will arbitrarily use impeachment as a mechanism to get rid of political opposition is over,” he said.
..Says Prof Alkali was a people’s leader
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the late delegate to the National Conference and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Professor Nura Alkali, as a “scholar par excellence” who would be missed greatly.
In a tribute to the late Alkali, the former Vice President in a statement issued by his media office in Abuja, said the late historian did not distinguish himself not only as an intellectual, but also a patriot who had contributed to the country’s political development.
According to Atiku, the late Professor Alkali was always invited by successive governments to come and offer his wealth of experience in the service of the country. Atiku Abubakar recalled that Professor Alkali’s last public assignment was his membership of the National Conference.
However, the former Vice President said, Professor Alkali’s greatest virtues were the fact that he lived and identified with his immediate community. He recalled that while other politicians deserted Borno State to live in Abuja because of the Boko Haram security menace, Professor Alkali had remained in the midst of his people until his death.
