The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has called on Nigerians to reject the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for failing to honour its power rotation agreement.
Adamu gave the charge at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, the venue of the rally of his party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
This is even as Tinubu paid a special tribute to the former warlord and Niger Delta activist, Abubakar Asari Dokubo, who he described as his friend and brother.
The development is coming a day after the APC held a similar rally in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Addressing the gathering in Rivers State on Wednesday, the former governor of Nasarawa State condemned the PDP for failing to emulate the APC and reneging on its promise to field a Southern candidate after power has resided in the North for eight years.
He said, “PDP does not know the essence of promise. When you make a promise, you keep it. On our part, we are honourable people. We have a full-fledged Southerner as our candidate. What the PDP failed to do, we have done.
“What the party failed to give the South, APC has given the South. So as Southerners, please the people of Rivers, play your part by voting APC. Let your vote speak for you.”
Tinubu, on the other hand, arrived in Port Harcourt to meet a tumultuous reception where he spoke extensively on the need for unity, stability and non-violence.
Addressing supporters at the rally, the APC standard bearer urged the people of the state, particularly youths to ensure the next election was hitch-free and devoid of violence.
He promised to work to ensure increased security in the state and South-South region and provide effective protection for oil installations in the region.
“Let us work hard and build a nation, a nation where peace, unity, stability, joy and happiness will reign supreme. We should be working together not killing one another,” he said.
One of the highlights of the campaign was when the former governor of Lagos paid a glowing tribute to Abubakar Asari Dokubo, whom he described as his friend and brother.
“Asari Dokubo is a very bold and courageous worker. Brave and honest. Since I encountered him, he has been very consistent and straightforward,” he said.
At the rally, the APC flag was handed over to the governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Tonye Cole.
An excited Cole also pledged that he would run a new government that would be responsive to their yearning, urging them to vote for the party at all levels.
The rally was attended among others by APC Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) as well as former Ekiti State governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his former Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Others included Minister of State (Petroleum) Chief Timprey Sylva, Deputy National Chairman (South), Barrister Emma Enekwu and his Northern counterpart, Senator Abubakar Kyari, National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom Nigeria’s Ambassador to Jamaica Maureen Tamuno, Pastor Osagie Ise-Iyamu and Comrade Isa Aremu. (Punch)
