The Diverse, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights Movement in Nigeria, has hailed the choice of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019.
According to a statement issued by the group through Victor Lee, community president Nigeria and West Africa, the nomination is a pointer to the fact that the PDP is a real democratic party.
“We view this nomination as victory for democracy as it provides the electorates the option of a liberal candidate in Atiku Abubakar, who has indicated that he is the only one that can ensure that the rights, preferences and the interests of all Nigerians are accommodated in a country that collectively belongs to us all,” the statement read.
“This is a conclusion that we arrived at after critically assessing the antecedents of all those that have so far emerged as candidates from other political parties for the nation’s number one job, their body language and their reactions in the past to matters that pertain to upholding the rights of Nigerians to freely make choices without being criminalized for preferences that have been widely accepted by countries that are making progress.
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“It is high time we began to do away with the false teachings by Pastors in our country and any religion leader that speak against killing yet oppose our family or interest in the country.
“Diverse takes note of how a previous administration initiated, passed and signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act that also criminalized homosexual clubs, associations and organizations, with penalties of up to 14 years in jail into law.
“We also note how the present administration has enforced same with a zeal that creates the impression that LGBT is a crime at a time when violent crimes take life across the country every single hour. Our community is daily hounded and exploited by law enforcement agents for no other crime than being who we are. We need a President that understands.
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“This repression of LGBT rights has negatively impacted the ability of the community to meaningfully contribute to the economy because the persecution of government as presently oriented towards sexual preferences stifles creativity and productivity on a scale that has held Nigeria back from catching up with other nations.
“Our community further commends the PDP for proving to be a true democratic party for all freedom-loving Nigerians to move our great country into the comity of nation that have recognized that people are free to live their lives without the fear of ancient stereotypes that have no scientific basis. We are mobilizing all our support and resources for him already.”
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