By Muftau Ogunyemi
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in South-West has expressed confidence to win the zone for it’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in the forthcoming 2023 general elections in the country.
Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Zonal Desk Officer, Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign for the Southwest, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Wednesday in Akure.
Olafeso,who boasted that the confidence was not borne out of arrogance or a wishful thinking, explained that the party had reached out to the “people that are actually bearing the brunt of the recklessness of the present administration”.
According to him, the number of people that came out for the January 4 Freedom Walk for Atiku Abubakar in Ibadan, Oyo State, was massive and “it shows the readiness of the South-west people for the presidential candidate of PDP”.
“So, we are not afraid. We are going to win the southwest, and we are going to win far better than we did in 2019.
“We are aware and we are conscious that the southwest is the battle ground for February 25, 2023 election but PDP is ready because our leaders are ready, members of the party are ready even the citizens are ready to say goodbye to APC,” he said.
Olafeso, who emphasised that the party was more united now than before, said that the party’s candidates, from the senate down to the assembly members, understand that thier destiny and future depends on the victory of Atiku Abubakar.
While speaking on the G5 governors’ grievances, Olafeso said that “the number of governors any party has in the southwest or in the country will not determine the party’s success at the polls.
According to him, the current face-off between some governors and the presidential candidate can not jeopardise the party’s success “because we have survived the worst and we are moving on to the best”.
“I have constantly said that the opinions of the governors are not necessary the opinions of the people because the governors, too, will be judged base on their performances in their states.
“So, it’s not the number of the governor that makes you to win the election, it is the people. And thank God for technology, BVAS is coming to speak while the era of snatching ballot papers or boxes has gone
“Many people will be hospitalised for shock long after the February 25 general election because it is the votes of individuals that is important and not the number of the governors a party has.
“Moreover, PDP is not interested in the individuals that are not willing to be part of the team that are ready to rescue Nigerian.
“In Ondo State, we may have a slow start due to some internal crisis between the leaders but since our rally of early December, 2022, a lot of things have changed. And I will tell you that majority of Ondo State people are for Atiku Abubakar,” he said.
The PDP Chieftain, who said that he had begun to have confidence in the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the forthcoming election, appealed to Nigerians to vote for Atiku Abubakar for the betterment of the country.
“I am begining to develop confidence in INEC and I know too well that they are going to do a good job that will make Nigeria proud.
“Hope is coming, Atiku is coming because he has covenant with the Nigeria people on restructuring, devolving power to the grassroot, improving on education and a better management of our resources, among others.
“If Atiku Abubakar is elected as the president, he will hit the ground running immediately and the country will see his outstanding performances in the first 100 days, and rescue Nigeria will commence in full force,” he said. (NAN)
2023: I’m confident PDP ll win Southwest for Atiku- Eddy Olafeso
