AS Nigerians patiently await the outcome of the various petitions of the opposition parties, particularly those of the Labour Party (LP) and People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, different personalities on the political scene have been drumming support for their parties and the latest to add to the long list is former vice president and presidential candidate of the PDP in the 25th February election, Atiku Abubakar.
In a bid to strengthen the faith of the supporters of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, on Saturday assured them that their faith is one with a reward as he elucidated that the PDP is “government-in-waiting”.
Speaking at a retreat organised for PDP lawmakers-elect in Bauchi State, Atiku said the party members must remain hopeful while waiting for the resolution of the dispute at the election petition tribunal.
Atiku was defeated by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party.
The former vice president and the PDP are currently challenging Tinubu’s victory at the election petition tribunal.
“You’re representatives of the party and your constituents. Do not be tempted to abandon your party just because of a temporary setback. In the end, the truth and good shall triumph over falsehood and evil,” Atiku told the lawmakers-elect.
“Therefore, you must please remain resolute. Do not work in isolation from one another. You’re a team and should always work as a team in order to achieve meaningful results and also remain connected to your roots, your constituents and other stakeholders.
“Based on the results announced by INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) and pending the determination of the electoral challenges in the court, our members-elect are not the majority in the National Assembly. So, for the time being, they have to prepare to work as an effective, constructive opposition while also preparing for a possible role as the majority party when the cases are resolved.
“Don’t ever lose hope. The role of the opposition is to hold the government and majority party to account. And in doing so, you demonstrate that you and your party are ready to govern in the shortest possible time – a government-in-waiting -so to speak.”
Don’t Be A Rubber Stamp
Atiku asked the lawmakers-elect to oppose any attempt by the ruling party to make the legislature a rubber stamp.
“You should not be part of a rubber stamp legislative arm for those who might want to govern as dictators,” he said.
“Our democracy must endure; you can and you should help to make that happen. As you know, the PDP remains the only true political party that is owned by its members rather than by one or a handful of godfathers. That no one member or group of members is bigger, better or more important than the party in the PDP.”
Commenting on the state of affairs of the PDP, Abubakar said all members need to work in unity to rebuild the party.
“The work of rebuilding our party involves everyone, including our elected representatives. And it will involve unity of purpose. So, we must work hard in unifying our party. Let’s not continue to fight yesterday’s battle,” Atiku enjoined.
Eighteen-Eleven Media