Atiku: PDP is best placed to take Nigeria out of hardship

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the most “viable” party to take Nigeria out of its current “socio-economic hardship”.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Paul Ibe, Abubakar’s special adviser on media, said the politician made the remarks while congratulating Bala Mohammed and Sim Fubara on their election as PDP governors’ forum chairperson and deputy respectively.

“The PDP remains the most viable party to bring Nigeria out of the current socio-economic hardship,” Abubakar was quoted as saying.

Abubakar, who was the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, asked all elected officials of the party to keep their focus on policy initiatives that will make life more pleasant and comfortable for the people.

Last week, Abubakar said the PDP is “government-in-waiting”. 

Abubakar, who was addressing PDP lawmakers-elect in Bauchi state, said party members must remain hopeful while waiting for the resolution of the dispute at the presidential election petition tribunal.

Abubakar was defeated by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25 presidential election.

The PDP and Abubakar are currently challenging Tinubu’s victory at the election petition tribunal.

“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,” Abubakar told the lawmakers.