PDP campaign council: If elected president, Atiku will hand over power to Igbo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign council says Atiku Abubakar will ensure that his successor is from the south-east if he is elected in 2023.

In a statement on Tuesday, Uloka Chibuike, PDP deputy director of media and publicity of the campaign council, said Atiku trust the Igbo and sees them as a partner in growth.

He said the region has more to gain from an alliance with the north. 

“Atiku has proved to the Igbo man that he can be trusted. No other tribe in Nigeria has trusted the Igbo man and made them direct partners in progress except Atiku,” he said. 

“In 2007, against the uproar, he chose an Igbo from Anambra state in the person of Ben Ndi Obi to be his running mate.

“Despite the animosity of many, he chose Peter Obi as his running mate in 2019 to prove his relationship with Ndi-Igbo.

“Again, despite Ohanaeze’s ban on Igbo politicians accepting the vice presidency in 2023, Atiku chose another Igbo man as his running mate in 2023, promising to hand over power to Ndi-Igbo after his term.

“Atiku has pledged to restructure Nigeria to favour and accommodate Ndi-Igbo and make sure that his successor is from the region.

“This is not just a promise; he has repeatedly shown that his word is his bond. While others continue to treat Igbo with leprous fingers, Atiku has promised to treat us with respect.”

In September, Atiku said he would work towards having an Igbo successor if he wins the presidential election.

“I I make it quite clear and confidently too — I will be your stepping stone to becoming president,” he had said.