Members of the Peoples Democratic Movement have adopted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party as their consensus presidential candidate for the 2019 election.
The group, founded by late former Chief of General Staff (Supreme Headquarters), General Shehu Yar’Adua, announced this in a communiqué issued after its meeting held at the Shehu Yar’ Adua Centre on Friday in Abuja.
The communiqué was signed by it Chairman, Dapo Sarumi, who was a former Minister of Information, and six others: Dubem Onyia (South East), Chief Bode Ajewole (South West), Chief Ejiofor Onyia (South South), Dr. Bala Tafida (North Central), Alhaji Kabir Bawa (North East) and Fatima Abba (North West).
The group said it was gratifying to note that one of its founding members emerged a candidate of one of the biggest political parties participating in the forthcoming election.
It said: “It is noteworthy to point out that even though membership in this political family cuts across all the major political parties in the country, it has always been our prayers that one of our own be given the opportunity to showcase our outstanding leadership qualities irrespective of the political parties that throws up such a candidate for as long as he/she is a member of the political family.
“To this end, and with the 2019 Presidential election exactly a week away, it has become incumbent on us, as founding members of the Yar’Adua political family, PDM, to lend our voice to the conversations around the epochal electoral contest.
“We are conscious of our position as proud members of the oldest political organisation in contemporary Nigeria and it is noteworthy to say that this particular election cycle presents itself as a test to the virility of democratic governance in our country.”
The group also called on key participants in the electoral process to play by the rules, adding that everything possible must be done to make the forthcoming elections peaceful and credible.
The PDM said: “The tension that has been generated by the 2019 elections is getting to a disturbing proportion and we call on all actors in the electoral process to ensure that peace ensues before, during and after the elections.
“We call on the security operatives to be impartial and to focus on their main mandate of preserving and protecting the lives and property of every Nigerian and foreigners alike.
“Politicians should refrain from making insidious statements and anyone caught going against this should be duly prosecuted.”
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to comply with the provisions of the relevant laws in the conduct of the elections.
The PDM National Chairman, Bode Ajewole, said though members of group belong to various political parties, they resolved to rally behind Abubakar’s quest for the highest elective office given his contribution to the growth of democracy in the country.
Sarumi called on Nigerians not to vote in former military men as president of Nigeria again.
Convener of the meeting, Chief Ejiofor Onyia, said the family chose to come together having drifted apart for years.
Onyia said in the event Abubakar is elected, the bridge dreamt about by the late Yar’Adua would have been completed.