The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the violent attack on its presidential campaign rally in Kaduna, Kaduna State capital on Monday,Oct. 17,2022
PDP described the attack as “unprovoked” which was not only reprehensible but also exposed the desperation of the APC.
Explaining the possible reason why they were allegedly attacked, PDP said the opponents are overwhelmed by the continuing popularity of its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, Monday said the attacks were carried out by heavily armed hoodlums allegedly sponsored by the liquidating All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The aim of the APC for this attack is to frustrate the PDP Presidential Rally, trigger tension, violence and cause bloodletting in Kaduna State. This is contrary to the undertaking in the Peace Accord signed by political parties on September 28, 2022, in which the Presidential Candidate of the APC was conspicuously absent,the statement read
“The attack today by the APC must give well-meaning Nigerians concern as some reports allege that the vicious assault on the PDP Presidential Campaign was spearheaded by the APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State.
“The frustrated APC, having realized that it cannot legally and legitimately sponsor candidates for the 2023 general elections, has now resorted to violence and attacking our party members and innocent citizens with the aim of derailing the entire democratic process.
READ ALSO:
- Buhari Boasts: “We Have Met Nigerians’ Yearnings”
- It’s Payback Time,Step Down For Me-Tinubu Tells Atiku
- Atiku Seeks For Votes In Kaduna; Says “I’m Expecting Highest Votes Like 2019”
“The APC is intimidated by Atiku Abubakar’s popularity and acceptance among the majority of Nigerians following their confidence in Atiku Abubakar’s practical experience, record, capacity, broad-mindedness, Pan-Nigerianism and willpower to unite our nation, revamp our devastated economy and guarantee security of lives and property in our country.
“In any case, our Party is undeterred by such cowardly attacks as Nigerians are already connected with our issue-based campaign and Atiku Abubakar’s message of hope which is already resonating throughout the nooks and crannies of our country.
“The PDP salutes the courage displayed by the people of Kaduna State in coming out en masse to resist and overwhelm the APC and its agents, ensure the success of the PDP Rally, reinforce their support for Atiku Abubakar and re-emphasize the fact that Kaduna State is home to PDP, which gave Atiku Abubakar the highest votes in the 2019 Presidential election.
“These desperate elements should be reminded that from history, the people of Kaduna State have never been cowed or subjugated and cannot now especially in their present resolve to vote in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria”.
The statement further stressed that,PDP acknowledged the massive inflow of new members into the party, especially from the fizzling APC in Kaduna and across the country.
“Kaduna State is a Melting Pot State and such inflow into the PDP denotes the confidence and trust Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion and political affiliation, repose in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of the country.
“It should be recalled that the PDP, on Sunday, October 16, 2022 alerted on the plot to disrupt our scheduled Presidential Campaign in Kaduna State today. Our Party therefore charges security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to book.
PDP called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his partymen to order and ensure adequate security for a free, fair and credible electoral process in our country.